A rhetorical device where a speaker denies something while appearing to concede it; a form of ironic restraint.
From Greek ex- (out) and hairesis (choice, from hairein meaning 'to take'). In Greek rhetoric, it means literally 'taking away from' or 'exception,' referring to a technique of strategic concession.
This is a trick that politicians use constantly—saying 'I'm not one to complain, but...' or 'I won't even mention how they lied...' while doing exactly that—the ancient Greeks had a word for this sneaky rhetorical move.
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