Phrase · Work & office

a thanks-in-advance ambush

noun phrase /thanks-in-ad-vans-am-bush/

Definition

A polite-sounding email sign-off that pre-emptively guilts the recipient into compliance before they've agreed to anything.

In use

“Got hit with a proper thanks-in-advance ambush, 'could you turn this round by Friday, thanks in advance!'”

Filed under

buses colleagues email politeness
Published 3 August 2026

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The details

About this phrase

The language, classification and history attached to this Definr entry.

Language

Language form
noun phrase
Pronunciation
/thanks-in-ad-vans-am-bush/

Classification

Life domain
Work & learning

History

Published
Last updated

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