have the pleasure
English edit
Verb edit
have the pleasure (third-person singular simple present has the pleasure, present participle having the pleasure, simple past and past participle had the pleasure)
- Used as a polite formula to ask for a person's name, or to request that they join one in a dance, etc.
- 2010, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., The Death of Chaos:
- Might I have the pleasure of introducing you to Master Lerris. In addition to being probably the best woodcrafter in Kyphros, he is also the gray wizard who defeated the Hydlenese white wizard […]
- 2014, Mary Smith, Shattering the Ice, page 198:
- "You may be seated. Ms. Silver, nice to see you again," he nods to Rachel. "Mr. Stone, I don't believe I've had the pleasure. Welcome to my courtroom."
- 2015, Patricia Potter, Dancing with a Rogue:
- From inside came the first strains of a waltz. Her body swayed in motion to the music. “May I have the pleasure?” he asked, knowing full well that she might refuse.
Usage notes edit
- Telling somebody that you have not had the pleasure is a polite way to say that you have not met before and would like to know their name.