# if I'm not there, start without me

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/if-im-not-there-start-without-me
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

I am not interested in the event and do not plan to attend.

## Examples

- I have other plans, so if I'm not there, start without me.
- I am busy working late tonight, so if I'm not there, start without me and enjoy the dinner.
- Knowing the meeting would likely be a tedious waste of time, he sent a brief message stating that if he was not there, they should start without him.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.