if I may be so bold

phrase

Used to soften a statement or question that is expected to annoy the listener.

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Meanings

phrase

alternative if I might be so bold · alternative if I may make so bold

  1. formalUsed to soften a statement or question that is expected to annoy the listener.
Cite this entry
APA

if I may be so bold. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20I%20may%20be%20so%20bold

MLA

“if I may be so bold.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20I%20may%20be%20so%20bold. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “if I may be so bold,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20I%20may%20be%20so%20bold.

Source: if I may be so bold on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.