The minister who is in Liberia on an official visit tweeted late Thursday night that he had 'learned belatedly of fuss over my tweet replying to journo's query whether I would travel to Kerala in 'cattle class''.

He pointed out that the phrase 'cattle class' was used in the journalist's query, which he just repeated.

'It's a silly expression but means no disrespect to economy travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like cattle. Many have misunderstood,' he tweeted.

He admitted that the phrase when translated into Malayalam sounded worse, especially if taken out of context. 'To those hurt by the belief that my repeating the phrase showed contempt: sorry,' said Tharoor.

He also explained that the word 'holy cows' was not referring to any individual. 'Holy cows are NOT individuals but sacrosanct issues or principles that no one dares challenge. Wish critics would look it up.'

The minister said that he had learnt a lesson from the episode. 'I now realise I should not assume people will appreciate humour. You should not give those who would wilfully distort your words an opportunity to do so.'

Tharoor also mentioned that he had excellent meetings with the Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other dignitaries. He is the first minister in 38 years to visit the West African nation.

Tharoor, who looks after India's external affairs in Africa and Middle East, is visiting Liberia and Ghana as an effort to improve bilateral ties with these countries.