Guy walks into my office, starts complaining, launches into the titular phrase, making me conjure up all kinds of sentences I never want to hear the rest of.
They all begin with a faux politesse, they all pivot on “but:”
No offense but …
Don’t take this the wrong way but …
I don’t want to complain but …
and my favorite:
Hate to break it to you but …
DIANE di COSTANZO 