mean well
US /miːn wel/
UK /miːn wel/
1.
avoir de bonnes intentions
to have good intentions, even if the results are not good
:
•
I know he didn't mean to offend you; he just means well.
Je sais qu'il n'a pas voulu t'offenser; il a juste de bonnes intentions.
•
Despite her clumsy attempts, she always means well.
Malgré ses tentatives maladroites, elle a toujours de bonnes intentions.