if you don't mind me asking

if you don't mind me asking

Said before or after a question that one thinks may make the other person feel upset, offended, or uncomfortable, especially if the question is very personal, direct, or tactless. How much are they paying you, if you don't mind me asking? I want to make sure I'm not getting shortchanged. If you don't mind me asking, why have you stayed with your husband for so long? You clearly don't love him anymore.
See also: ask, if, mind
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • if you don't mind my asking
  • you may well ask
  • the million-dollar question
  • in question
  • you think
  • beg the question
  • beg the question, to
  • Do bears crap in the woods?
  • poop