Help on Idioms

Hi,

Please help me know the meaning & use of following two idioms:

1. Having said that...
2. I believe...

Thanks & Regards,
Rakesh Sharma.

[Casiopea]

Please help me know the meaning & use of following two idioms:

1. Having said that...
2. I believe...

I'm not 100% sure they're idiomatic in expression, but, having said that, I believe the following will help you out:

1. Having said that... = I said X. Please keep X in mind as I am about to use X to further make my point. I might contradict my statement (X) with another statement (Y) or I might add support to my statement (X) with another statement (Y).

Example: Dogs are Man's best friend. Having said that, I should tell you that I have 21 cats! :wink:

Example: People shouldn't drive when they are drinking. Having said that, would you please slow down. Your martini is spilling over onto my side of the car.

2. I believe... = What I think is true, but what may not be considered to be true according to someone or everybody else.

Example:

Alex: Look at those storm clouds. I believe it's going to rain.
Pat: Well, the weather guy said it's not supposed to rain today.

All the best,

Cas