There are so many things that we say when, really, we mean something different. Here are a few examples:
What they say: “He can be very honest“
What they mean: “He’s rude.”
What they say: “It goes without saying.”
What they mean: “Your so dumb that I have to spell out the obvious.”
What they say: “She’s very smart.”
What they mean: “She agrees with me.”
What they say: “I mean no disrespect, but . . .”
What they mean: “I don’t respect you.”
What they say: “Have you lost weight?”
What they mean: “You are still fat.”
What they say: “Wow.”
What they mean: “I’m underwhelmed."
What they say: “Can’t we all just get along?”
What they mean: “I wish everyone shared my opinion.”
What they say: “I’m outraged!”
What they mean: “I want to cause trouble.”
What they say: “What do you think?”
What they mean: “You better agree with me.”
What they say: “I need your advice.”
What they mean: “I don’t really care what you think, I am going to do what I want to do anyway but am looking for cover.”