I don't want to alarm you, but



I don't want to alarm you, but

 and I don't want to upset you, but
an expression used to introduce bad or shocking news or gossip. Bill: I don't want to alarm you, but I see someone prowling around your car. Mary: Oh, goodness! I'll call the police! Bob: I don't want to upset you, but I have some bad news. Tom: Let me have it.
See also: alarm, but, want

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Asplin['æsplin]
Fruma-Yiddish
Teodorate-o-DAW-rah (Italian), te-o-DHO-rah (Spanish), te-aw-DAW-rah (Polish)Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Romanian, Polish, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian
Peleg-Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Genevra-Various
DodieDO-deeEnglish