Touchy issues outside that area can hardly claim the same sort of authority.

Well, at this point he could hardly claim to be brilliant.

"If you're still fit after three weeks on the trail I can hardly claim to have a headache."

Marcus had shown no interest in him whatsoever, although he could hardly claim to have made a vigorous effort to get to know the boy.

He can hardly claim it's time to move on and leave Python behind!

I guess because you could hardly claim to be an angel.

"I'd hardly claim to be an authority on the subject, Sir."

But he could hardly claim to be an innocent victim.

I can hardly claim to have learned to ski either.

We've sent out a few exploring parties, but we can hardly claim to know them intimately.