[jaoued]

The English say "Yes, but..." or " I am afraid ..." but in fact they mean no...

The French say "Non, mais..." ending up most of the time with yes...

So what's important? the start with No or the conclusion with a Yes.

[raverbashing]

Usually the conclusion is more important, unless it's also "slippery"

"No but we can go next week" sounds more promising than "No because I have to defrag my hard drive"