if you'll pardon the expression
A preemptive apology for the particular words one is about to use. He was acting like, if you'll pardon the expression, a complete ass.
if you'll pardon the expression
Fig. excuse the expression I am about to say or just said. This thing is—if you'll pardon the expression—loused up. I'm really jacked, if you'll pardon the expression.
if you’ll pardon the expression
phr. excuse the expression I am about to say. This thing is—if you’ll pardon the expression—loused up. I’m really jacked, if you’ll pardon the expression.