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

Posted by Q on May 30, 2001

In Reply to: Phrase: "I hold no brief for..." posted by Bruce Kahl 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!

I'm going out on a limb.
By any chance are you referring to:
"to have no beef" with someone?