you should pardon the expression

Forgive me for using the word or phrase I have just said or am about to say. Often used in reference to crude or obscene language, or to puns, clichés, or turns of phrase, especially those that may come across as trite, tactless, or crude. The common explanation about the origin of the phrase "three sheets to the wind" is that it has to do with sailing, but I've always felt that this etymology doesn't, you should pardon the expression, hold water. For a documentary about the horrors of war, it comes across as rather—you should pardon the expression—lifeless. He was acting like, you should pardon the expression, a complete ass.