I've always wondered what to 'he / she doesn't suffer fools gladly' means. As far as I can make out, the sort of person who 'doesn't suffer fools gladly' is impatient and intolerant towards other people, or takes advantage of people with a more gentle character. Yet I've seen the phrase used (eg by Barry Norman, writing about Miranda Richardson) in a way that seems to be meant to be complimentary , as if someone who 'doesn't suffer fools gladly' is to be admired for this. Have I got it wrong?