far be it from

far be it from me to (do something)

It is not my place to do or say the particular thing stated after "to." The phrase, which is almost always followed by "but," is used as an introduction before saying or doing that very thing. Far be it from me to tell you how much to work on this report, but do you really think it's thorough enough?See also: far

far be it from (someone)

Used to deflect responsibility for making a statement that might not be received well: Far be it from me to criticize, but I find your handwriting to be very sloppy.See also: far