Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
National

Quote of the day by Sir Winston Churchill: ‘Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that…’ – Witty lesson on diplomacy and how the right words can change everything

Every day, we find ourselves in conversations that require honesty without causing offence. Whether it's giving critical feedback to a colleague, turning down a request from a friend, or addressing a disagreement at home, speaking the truth is often the easy part. Saying it in a way that preserves respect and relationships is far more difficult.

That delicate balance between honesty and courtesy is captured brilliantly in one of the most famous quotes attributed to British wartime leader Winston Churchill.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.