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I was recently chatting with a prospective business partner (UK) and in the email exchange, mentioned a potential activity I will be engaging in, let's say X, in relation to a previously discussed contract arrangement. I don't want to go into details here, but X was meant to address some of the concerns he had about the arrangement. I then described the motivation for X, call it Y, and asked for his thoughts on it. Overall, this was a very short mail.

In the part of the reply dedicated to this issue, he wrote:

"I take on board your thoughts on X and agree with you on Y".

I'm wondering how to interpret this. Am I being politely told that he's not really sold on X? I've never really encountered this phrase before and I'm wondering if it could be considered a euphemism for lack of interest?

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    take (something) on board: to decide to accept or deal with (something, such as a suggestion or idea) You will be pleased to note that we have taken your suggestions on board in formulating the present policy. merriam-webster.com/dictionary/…
    – user 66974
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 11:10
  • Given the ambiguity, could you send a reply that in some fashion asks about next steps? That might elicit a clearer answer along the lines of either "Thanks, we'll let you know" or "Please send us..."
    – DjinTonic
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 11:57

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'Take on board' does have conflicting senses:

take on board

To acknowledge and consider implementation of or action on a piece of information or a viewpoint, often one that has been newly presented.

[Farlex Dictionary of Idioms]

take on board

To accept a new idea or piece of advice, and act accordingly.

[topmeaning.com]

So sometimes used to include implementation of recommendations, sometimes used only to include consideration of recommendations.

In OP's example, the only logical reading is that the speaker is saying that they feel your thoughts on X require at least serious consideration (while they're with you all the way, including implementation, on Y). Of course, this covers only the language, not whether people change their minds etc.

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You are correct in having misgivings.

https://www.expatica.com/uk/working/employment-basics/dutch-british-business-102530/

What the British say: I hear what you say. ("I take on board your thoughts on X")
What the British mean: l disagree and do not want to discuss it any further.
What the non-British understand: they accept my point of view.

That said, your partner may indeed mean what they said. I would perhaps double check.

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    I'm British, and I'd find a less disingenuous way of disagreeing (check my track record on ELU!)
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 11:36
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    I’ll bear it in mind. ;)
    – mplungjan
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 11:39
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    M-W appears to disagree. Their definition as a British expression doesn’t imply any unstated disagreement.
    – user 66974
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 11:46
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    I agree that "I hear what you say (but...)" can be a polite dismissal, but I would say that "take on board" implies "add it to the metaphorical 'cargo' of our ideas and thoughts on the matter".
    – Kate Bunting
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 12:04
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    @mplungjan I'm with Kate Bunting on this one regarding nuance. Of course your past experience of your colleague will colour what you think he is likely to mean but in general "I hear what you say" is the more negative of the two expressions IMO.
    – Nemo
    Commented Aug 23, 2021 at 15:33

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