don't tell me
Used to introduce a guess at a fact or situation, as if forestalling the other speaker's utterance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't tell me you forgot your keys again.”
“Don't tell me you already finished that entire book in just one afternoon.”
“Don't tell me that after all our careful planning, you have decided to abandon the project entirely.”
- 01
a little bird told me
I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.
- 02
all told
With everything included, counted, or summed; in total.
- 03
and I don't mean maybe
Indicating that one is serious and not joking about a matter.
- 04
don't call me sir, I work for a living
Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.
- 05
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.
- 06
don't drop the soap
Used as a mockery to someone who is about to be or should be confined in prison.
- 07
don't get someone started
Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.
- 08
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.
Last updated August 10, 2026