I don't mean to pry
Pardon me for enquiring
TRANSLATION
I don't mean to pry = Es geht mich ja nichts an, aber… --- GOOGLE INDEX I don't mean to pry: approximately 25,000 Google hits
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
I DON'T MEAN TO PRY, but all of these factors can contribute to stress related headaches.
(www.doctorslounge.com)
---
I DON'T MEAN TO PRY, but how do you plan to pay for the adoption of the child?
(www.articledashboard.com)
(www.doctorslounge.com)
---
I DON'T MEAN TO PRY, but how do you plan to pay for the adoption of the child?
(www.articledashboard.com)
Did you
know?
I don't mean to pry
phrase
- a polite way of apologizing for being curious, usually about private matters
---
WORD ORIGIN
Human beings have a natural curiosity, especially when it comes to knowing things about other people. This curiosity is often contradicted by showing sensitivity toward others. In other words, we love to know but are afraid to ask. In such cases, the phrase "I don't mean to pry," is very useful. It demonstrates that when asking a personal question, you are taking into consideration the feelings of the other person, but have the need to ask the question anyway. This sounds like a paradox - and is.
Ever wondered why someone disappeared for several weeks and then suddenly reappeared? Of course it might be considered bad taste to enquire directly. But if the urge to know is too strong, then at least show politeness and begin the question with, "Excuse me, I don't mean to pry…"
Other alternatives are:
- It's none of my business, but…
- Sorry for asking, but…
- I hope you don't mind me asking, but…
- I hate to poke my nose into your business, but… (very informal usage!)
---
SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:
"I don't mean to pry, but why did you miss the office party?"
phrase
- a polite way of apologizing for being curious, usually about private matters
---
WORD ORIGIN
Human beings have a natural curiosity, especially when it comes to knowing things about other people. This curiosity is often contradicted by showing sensitivity toward others. In other words, we love to know but are afraid to ask. In such cases, the phrase "I don't mean to pry," is very useful. It demonstrates that when asking a personal question, you are taking into consideration the feelings of the other person, but have the need to ask the question anyway. This sounds like a paradox - and is.
Ever wondered why someone disappeared for several weeks and then suddenly reappeared? Of course it might be considered bad taste to enquire directly. But if the urge to know is too strong, then at least show politeness and begin the question with, "Excuse me, I don't mean to pry…"
Other alternatives are:
- It's none of my business, but…
- Sorry for asking, but…
- I hope you don't mind me asking, but…
- I hate to poke my nose into your business, but… (very informal usage!)
---
SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:
"I don't mean to pry, but why did you miss the office party?"
