mean well
Have benevolent motives
To mean well is to have good intentions, even when the outcome falls short or the action seems misguided: She means well, but her advice isn't helpful.
The phrase often carries a note of gentle criticism—acknowledging someone's kind motives while implying their efforts missed the mark.
A well-meaning person acts from benevolent impulses, however clumsy the execution.
- good-heartedNaturally inclined toward kindness
- heart of goldDeeply generous nature
- intentionPlanned purpose for acting
- helpAssistance given
- do goodAct to benefit others
good intentions · best intentions · misguided · misunderstood · purpose · benevolent · backfire · sincere · gift · thoughtful · have a mind to · clumsy · foot in mouth · bless your heart · appreciated · only human · genuine · altruistic
mean wellmanipulate
Control through clever influence
deceive · con · put on an act · dissemble
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