hardly unexpected

[idiotmike]

Dear teacher,

I just want to confirm that when somebody says " it is hardly unexpected" does he actually mean that "it is expected"?

Thank you

 

[bhaisahab]

Dear teacher,

I just want to confirm that when somebody says " it is hardly unexpected" does he actually mean that "it is expected"?

Thank you

Yes, more or less..

 

[5jj]

What a useful expression 'more or less' is. It's the perfect answer for some of the questions we receive.

 

[birdeen's call]

I decided against replying to this question because I didn't know how not to use this expression. :-D

 

[5jj]

I decided against replying to this question because I didn't know how not to use this expression. :-D

We Brits are not unknown for our not infrequent reluctance to avoid the opportunity of using litotes when the chips are not exactly up.

 

[SoothingDave]

Litotes? What a fabulous word.

George Carlin once quipped that answering "How are you?" with "I'm not unwell, thank you" really ticks people off cause you force them to have to figure it out for themselves.

 

[5jj]

Litotes? What a fabulous word.

I am disinclined to disagree with you.