if I may say so

Adverb

Meaning

if I may say so

Used to soften the effect of a statement that is self-aggrandizing or is embarrassing to the listener.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

I do not wish to depreciate his great gifts and attainments in a country which unfortunately, if I may say so without offense, is suffering from a temporary lack of leading men. Eleftherios Venizelos

I tell you why I don't think I will ever vote for a Democrat, if I may say so. Because for me, the number one issue is right to life, and I don't think the Democrats are very good on the right-to-life issue. Ben Stein

Close letter words and terms

if I had a nickel for every time if I may be so bold if I may make so bold if I might be so bold if I say so myself if I were you