mental reservation

noun

mental reservation

a tacit withholding of full assent or an unexpressed qualification made when one is taking an oath, making a statement, etc

First recorded in 1600–10

"Correctly; I'm with you," agreed Bristow, still with the mental reservation that he would deal with Withers as he saw fit.

I received this admonition with a decided mental reservation.

Such words conveyed no mental reservation—though his own heart told him he had over shot the truth.

Will you, without mental reservation, take a solemn oath to defend, preserve and enforce same?

When the end had come both officers and men surrendered as they had fought,—without mental reservation.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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