Meaning & use
bit of impudence
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Meanings
phrasecountable
A small act or remark that shows a lack of respect, especially toward someone who expects to be treated politely.
Grammar: Often used with 'a' or 'of': 'a bit of impudence', 'a bit of impudence from someone'.
Patterns
- a bit of impudence
- a bit of impudence from someone
- do a bit of impudence
Asking for a raise after one week was a bit of impudence, but the boss laughed.
His little bit of impudence at the dinner table shocked the guests.
She got away with a bit of impudence because everyone found her charming.
phrasecountable
A small amount of bold, confident behavior that is slightly shocking but not seriously offensive.
Grammar: Used when the behavior is seen as cheeky rather than truly rude; often with 'a'.
Patterns
- a bit of impudence
- show a bit of impudence
There was a bit of impudence in the way she teased her teacher.
He showed a bit of impudence by wearing jeans to the formal event.
A bit of impudence can be refreshing if it is not mean.
Word forms
| plural | bits of impudence |
|---|
Common combinations
- a bit of impudence
- The child's a bit of impudence surprised everyone.
- a touch of impudence
- She spoke with a touch of impudence that made us smile.
- a hint of impudence
- There was a hint of impudence in his reply.
- a bit of impudence from someone
- We didn't expect a bit of impudence from the new intern.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cheek
- Cheek is more common in British English and often means disrespectful talk; 'a bit of impudence' sounds slightly more formal or literary.
- nerve
- Nerve suggests boldness that may annoy others; 'impudence' focuses on lack of respect rather than courage.
- gall
- Gall is stronger and more disapproving, suggesting shameless boldness; 'a bit of impudence' is milder.
Opposites
Word family
- impudent adjective
- Showing a lack of respect; rude in a bold way.
- impudently adverb
- In a disrespectful, bold manner.
Commonly confused: bit of impudence or impunity?
bit of impudence vs impunity
Impunity means freedom from punishment, not disrespect. 'He acted with impunity' means he was not punished, not that he was rude.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'bit of impudence' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Laughing at the principal is disrespectful, which fits 'impudence'. The other options describe polite or helpful actions, which do not show a lack of respect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “bit of impudence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.