Kiri sute gomen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kiri sute gomen (斬り捨て御免 or 切り捨て御免 : literally, "authorisation to cut" or "authorisation to leave" (the body of the victim) is an old Japanese expression dating back to the feudal era right to execute and be excused. Samurai had the right to strike at anyone of a lower class who was compromising their honour; the attacked person would generally seek to defend himself. This expression would name the samurai's blow, meaning either "sorry to kill you", or "I am sorry to kill but I have the right".
The expression is still sometimes used in modern day as "I apologize in advance for this one" for the subtle humor in offering what amounts to a unsympathetic apology.
