publish and be damned
/ˌpʌblɪʃ ən bi ˈdæmd/
/ˌpʌblɪʃ ən bi ˈdæmd/
- a phrase meaning 'you can publish if you like, I don't care'. It is thought to have been used by the Duke of Wellington when he received threats that private details about him were going to be published. It is now used more often when someone decides to publish something offensive or unpopular even though they know they will face public criticism
- A lot of people will disagree with what I've written – I'll just have to publish and be damned.
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publish and be damned