The Directory thought as much, and declined to accept his resignation in the most flattering terms.

Others make a similar point in less flattering terms.

The men who come down on the wrong side of the Queen can find themselves described in less-than flattering terms.

"They even joked about the doctor in not too flattering terms."

A number of people who worked for her put it in less flattering terms.

She used the term, not terribly flattering, for a Dubliner.

By 1791, the town was described in less flattering terms than those Defoe had used 70 years earlier.

"Otherwise known as the gray wizard, that damned fool, and other less flattering terms."

Others said in less flattering terms that this was a luxury found only among students affluent enough to be able to put off their careers.

"I have had several opponents to whom that flattering term has been applied," said Holmes with a smile.