Re: Phrase: "I hold no brief for..."

Posted by Bruce Kahl on May 25, 2001

In Reply to: Phrase: "I hold no brief for..." posted by Patty on May 25, 2001

: A number of times I've heard people say "I hold no brief for [such and such]"... at least I believe I've got the phrase right. Is this the correct wording? And what does it mean? Why is it worded this way? -Patty

"hold no brief for"
1. To have or express an unfavorable opinion of: deprecate, discountenance, disesteem, disfavor, frown on, object. Idioms: not go for, take a dim view of, take exception to.

Why "brief"?
Just a guess:
In law a brief is a formal outline that sets forth the main contentions with supporting statements or evidence. So if you hold no brief then you have no support.
Just a guess!

• Re: Phrase: "I hold no brief for..." Q 05/30/01