The many faces of polite

An Englishman says: 'With all due respect'

What does he mean by this

• I respect you

• I am listening to you

• I think you are wrong

• Hang on a minute!

Your English boss says: 'Perhaps you would think about using more red in the logo'

Does she mean....?

• Do it!

• Think about it.

• It might work and look nice.

• It looks good but needs a little bit more red.

When your English boss says:

'Oh by the way...'

What come logically after this sentence?

• Please come be on time tomorrow.

• I love your new suit

Your English boss says: 'I was a bit disappointed that...

Does this mean?

• He is very disappointed?

• He is a little bit disappointed?

• He is a bit irritated?

You tell your English boss about an idea you have and her reaction is:

'Very interesting...'

Does this mean?

• It's interesting?

• She is interested, but you need to work it out further?

• She hates the idea?

• She absolutely loves the idea

Your English boss says: 'I'm sure it's my fault'

Does he mean...?

• I'm sorry, I'm going to fix it?

• I don't know who's fault it is, but being the manager, I will take responsibility?

• It's your fault.

• It's not my fault

You tell your English boss about a great idea you have regarding boosting the sales of the company. Your boss says:

'That's an original point of view'

Does he mean...?

• that he likes your idea?

• That it's original but maybe a bit far fetched

• Your idea is stupid

• He doesn't understand your idea.

In the pub your colleagues are discussing the office assistant...

You hear someone say the following about him...

"Oh yes, he's a lot of fun"

Does this mean?

• He's an absolute nightmare?

• He is okay?

• He's boring?

• He is great to work with?

You tell your boss about the time you and him had a really angry client who slammed the phone down on the two of you.

Your boss says: 'It rings a bell'

Does this mean

• I am starting to remember?

• I have no clue what you are talking about?

• Ah, yes, now I remember.

When asking your English colleague to join you in the pub, he answers: 'I'll see how I feel'

Does he mean...

• No

• He'll get back to you?

• He's not sure yet?