don't tell me
idiomUsed to introduce a guess at a fact or situation, as if forestalling the other speaker's utterance.
- 01
and I don't mean maybe
Indicating that one is serious and not joking about a matter.
- 02
don't call me sir, I work for a living
Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.
- 03
don't call us, we'll call you
A stereotypical statement from a hiring organization to a potential candidate, suggesting that the candidate will not be hired.
- 04
don't drop the soap
Used as a mockery to someone who is about to be or should be confined in prison.
- 05
don't get someone started
Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.
- 06
don't give up your day job
Somewhat sarcastic but usually good-natured advice used to criticise a person's degree of talent (especially in music or other performing arts), implying that they are unlikely to be successful.
- 07
don't go there
Do not broach that topic.
- 08
don't hold your breath
Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.