a left-handed compliment

[Oinas]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #525 "English Slang Idioms (267)", question 10

"Why did you give Max such a left-......... compliment? What has he done to you?" Laurie asked Jeana. Jeana told Max that he was much more intelligent than she had originally thought.

(a) eyed
(b) footed
(c) handed
(d) eared

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #525 "English Slang Idioms (267)", answer 10

"Why did you give Max such a left-handed compliment? What has he done to you?" Laurie asked Jeana. Jeana told Max that he was much more intelligent than she had originally thought.

Correct answer: (c) handed

Your answer was: correct
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Hi! Would you please explain what "a left-handed compliment" means? Thank you!

[Beeesneees]

A left-handed compliment (also known as a backhanded compliment) is one that sounds like praise but has an insulting meaning.
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Cheers m' dears!