far be it from me to

far be it from (someone) to (do something)

A phrase used to emphasize that the person being discussed is either very likely or very unlikely to do something, depending on the context. Far be it from me to tell you how much to work on this report, but do you really think it's thorough enough? I think we need to believe what Shirley's saying—far be it from her to lie.See also: far

far be it from me to (do something)

It is not my place to do or say the particular thing stated after "to." The phrase, which is almost always followed by "but," is used as an introduction before saying or doing that very thing. Far be it from me to tell you how much to work on this report, but do you really think it's thorough enough?See also: far

far be it from (or for) me to

used to express reluctance, especially to do something which you think may be resented.See also: far