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offense
hanging offense
A crime, misdeed, or impropriety that is (hyperbolically) perceived to warrant death by hanging. Primarily heard in US. Political correctness has become so authoritarian these days that saying anything with even the slightest derogatory implication is seen as a hanging offense!
give offense to
To cause tension or displeasure. I tried to choose my words carefully, but, due to the controversial subject matter, I feared that I would give offense to the committee no matter what I said.
best defense is a good offense
Prov. If you attack your opponents, they will be so busy fighting off your attack that they will not be able to attack you. (Often associated with sports. Often pronounced with the accent on the first syllable, similar to offense.) The team mostly practiced offensive moves because the coach believed that the best defense is a good offense. Jim thought that the best defense is a good offense, so he always tried to pass other drivers before they could pass him.
mean no offense
not to intend to offend. (See also take no offense.) I'm really sorry. I meant no offense. It was simply a slip of the tongue. He meant no offense by it.
No offense meant.
I did not mean to offend [you]. (See also
No offense taken.)
Mary: Excuse that last remark. No offense meant. Susan: It's okay. I was not offended.No offense taken.
I am not offended [by what you said]. (See also
No offense meant.)
Pete: Excuse that last remark. I did not want to offend you. Tom: It's okay. No offense taken.take offense (at someone or something)
to be insulted by someone or something. Bill took offense at Mary for her thoughtless remarks. Almost everyone took offense at Bill's new book. I'm sorry you took offense. I meant no harm.
no offense
I do not mean to insult you No offense, I just don't like parties.
no offense
Please don't feel insulted, I don't mean to offend you, as in No offense, but I think you're mistaken. This expression, first recorded in 1829, generally accompanies a statement that could be regarded as insulting but is not meant to be, as in the example.
take offense
Feel resentment or emotional pain, as in I didn't realize he'd take offense when he wasn't invited. [Mid-1800s]