you should excuse 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 excuse the expression, hold water. For a documentary about the horrors of war, it comes across as rather—you should excuse the expression—lifeless. He was acting like, you should excuse the expression, a complete ass.

you should excuse the expression

Please forgive what I just said or am about to say. This polite disclaimer for uttering a profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity was adopted from Yiddish about 1930 and became common soon thereafter. See also pardon my French.