Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
present-company-excepted
idiomatic expression
/ˈprɛzənt ˈkʌmpəni ɪkˈsɛptɪd/
Definition
A phrase used to indicate that all members of a group except those present are included in a statement or description.
Examples
- Most of the musicians here are talented, present company excepted.
- The team’s performance has been lackluster, present company excepted, of course!
Meaning
This expression typically prefaces a statement that may be critical of a group, providing an exception for people who are currently there.
Synonyms
- excluding those present
- with exceptions for those here
- aside from those in attendance
