с позволения сказать

• С ПОЗВОЛЕНИЯ СКАЗАТЬ{{}}

[Invar; sent adv (parenth; usu. precedes the word or phrase to which it refers; fixed WO]

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1. (an apologetic expression warning the listener that sth. rude, pointed, not quite proper will be said next) I apologize for what I am about to say:

- pardon <if you don't mind> my saying so;

- if I may say so;

- if I may be so bold.

     ♦ "В нашем полку был поручик, прекраснейший м образованнейший человек, который не выпускал изо рта трубки не только за столом, но даже, с позволения сказать, во всех прочих местах" (Гоголь 3). "In our regiment there was a lieutenant, a truly fine and well-educated man, who never let a pipe out of his mouth, not only at table but, pardon my saying so, in all other places" (3c).

2. used by the speaker to express his negative, disdainful attitude toward s.o. or sth., his opinion that s.o. or sth. does not deserve his or its name:

- so-called;

- if I (you) could (even) call it (him etc) that;

- if such it (he etc) may be called.

     ♦ "Горько и обидно, что какие-то слизняки правят страной. Безволие, слабохарактерность, неумение, нерешительность, зачастую простая подлость - вот что руководит действиями этого, с позволения сказать, "правительства"" (Шолохов 3). "It is a bitter shame that the country should be ruled by such worms. Lack of will, lack of character, of ability, of resolution, and even downright treachery - these are the qualities that determine the actions of this 'government,' if such it may be called" (3a).