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mit verlaub

if you'll pardon me; with your permission

adverb mit fer-LOWP Rare
Communication Expressions

Also means

excuse me for saying so; begging your pardon

Usage Note

Mit Verlaub is a formal or gently ironic phrase meaning 'with your permission' or 'if you'll excuse me for saying so': Mit Verlaub, das halte ich für falsch. It softens a forthright remark and can carry a politely exasperated tone. Slightly archaic but still used in formal writing, oratory, and deliberate irony.

Examples

"Mit Verlaub – das ist schlicht und einfach nicht wahr."

Natural Translation

If you'll pardon me – that is simply and plainly not true.

Literal Translation

With permission – that is plain and simply not true.

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