You may have already come across the British Translation table (below).

It is thought to have been written by a Dutch company

to help their employees working in the UK. The table reveals that when a person from Britain begins a sentence “with the

greatest respect …’, they actually mean ‘I think you are an idiot’. For Dutch speakers, who are naturally direct and to-the-point,

the concept of saying the opposite of what you mean may seem both confusing and unnecessary. When I stumbled across this

table I wished someone had shown me this when I first entered the country. I am now perfectly comfortable with the English

politeness, but when I first entered the country I was puzzled by the conflicting messages.

WHAT THE BRITISH SAY  WHAT THE BRITISH MEAN  WHAT FOREIGNERS UNDERSTAND

He accepts my point of view

I hear what you say I disagree and do not want to discuss it further

He is listening to me
With the greatest respect You are an idiot

That’s poor
That’s not bad That’s good

He thinks I have courage

That is a very brave proposal You are insane

Quite good
Quite good A bit disappointing

Think about the idea, but do what you like

I would suggest Do it or be prepared to justify yourself

That is not very important

Oh, incidentally/ by the way The primary purpose of our discussion is

It doesn’t really matter

I was a bit disappointed that I am annoyed that

They are impressed

Very interesting That is clearly nonsense

They will probably do it

I’ll bear it in mind I’ve forgotten it already

Why do they think it was their fault?

I’m sure it’s my fault It’s your fault
 I will get an invitation soon
You must come for dinner It’s not an invitation, I’m just being polite

He’s not far from agreement

I almost agree I don’t agree at all

I only have a few minor comments Please rewrite completely He has found a few typos

Could we consider some other options I don’t like your idea They have not yet decided