Re: [Lingo] "Don't get me wrong"

[Scott Robbins <scottro@example.com>]

On Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 10:24:38PM +0900, steven smith wrote:
> >Hi all,
> >Can anyone please explain the usage of "Don't get me wrong". I saw
> >someone using it as a disclaimer, it is right?
> It means something like "please don't misunderstand me."  A disclaimer is 
> exactly right.

A further nuance is "Despite what I've just said..."

For example.

"I think FreeBSD is much better than Linux.  Don't get me wrong, I like
Linux, but I prefer FreeBSD."

"John can be a real jerk.  Don't get me wrong, I like him, and he's a
good friend to have, but sometimes, he really annoys me."

"That doesn't work for me.  Don't get me wrong, I see why you say that,
but my own feelings are different."

I'd say that's fairly typical, following the "Don't get me wrong,"
phrase with a "but..."  

However, it's not necessary.  For instance.

"I could have killed my cat this morning.  Don't get me wrong, he's
usually a good cat."

Hope this helps clarify it a bit. 

-- 
Scott Robbins
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Willow: On the other hand, maybe Rodney just stepped out
for a smoke.
Xander: For twenty-one hours?
Willow: It's addictive, you know.