释义 |
mince matters not mince mattersTo speak very bluntly and directly, without regard to whether one's words may cause upset or controversy. Wow, your aunt really doesn't mince matters when she discusses politics, huh? I won't mince matters—our company is in dire straits.See also: matter, mince, notmince mattersAlso, mince words. Moderate or restrain one's language to be polite or avoid giving offense. Today these phrases are nearly always put negatively, as in Not to mince matters, I feel he should resign, or Don't mince words-say what you mean. The usage dates from the mid-1500s and transfers cutting something such as meat into small pieces to minimizing the harsh impact of words. See also: matter, mince |