With whom do you wish to speak?

With whom do you wish to speak?

a polite phrase used by people who answer the telephone to find out whom the caller wants to speak to. (Compare this with Who do you want to talk to?) John answered the telephone and then said, "With whom do you wish to speak?" Tom (answering the phone): Good morning, Acme Air Products. With whom do you wish to speak? Sue: Sorry, I have the wrong number. Tom: That's perfectly all right. Have a nice day.

See also: whom, wish