He Doesn't Suffer Fools Gladly

[hc4361]

Compliment or insult?

[pixie373]

I know. It's fairly important for the surgeon not to be fool, himself.

[woofgang]

yes, both.

[Prudie]

I see it as a compliment and a necessary trait of anyone with leadership qualities.

[Cloverjo]

I think it's a polite way of saying someone is intolerant and self- important.

[LyndaB]

I think it's a compliment. I don't suffer fools gladly either!

[Bert]

I think it's meant as a compliment. I also think it's a quite meaningless description. After all, do you know anyone who *does* suffer fools gladly?

[Booldawg]

Depends on your outlook on life; Its intended to suggest intellectual superiority but to me indicates total lack of understanding or empathy for your fellow man.

[hc4361]

Thanks all for your answers, interesting divide in opinions.

Another common phrase that I think is ambiguous is 'I could swing for him'. For years I thought it meant that I would willingly punch a person because he had done something to wrong me or mine but apparently it means that I am willing to kill him and hang for it.

[elliemay1]

I hate the phrase, 'He/she takes no prisoners.'

[Baldric]

Depends whether or not you are the fool.

[China Doll]

I think it's neither and is actually just plain obvious... who in the world opens their arms up while glorifying 'oh good, yet another idiot to deal with!'

I may well be someone who it is said does not suffer fools gladly; it does not offend me.

[LazyGun]

Interesting article on suffering fools gladly here;

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/opinion/brooks-suffering-fools-gladly.html

I was not aware that it had its origin in the Bible, where Paul was having a go at the inhabitants of Corinth in favour or some supposed "false" apostles.

[boxtops]

I think it means that someone has a short fuse.

[hc4361]

Great link, LazyGun.