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Phrase(s): I don’t want to alarm you, but [and] I don’t want to upset you, but
an expression used to introduce bad or shocking news or gossip. • Bill: I don’t want to alarm you, but I see someone prowling around your car. Mary: Oh, goodness! I’ll call the police! • Bob: I don’t want to upset you, but I have some bad news. Tom: Let me have it.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs