# I'm not telling you

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/im-not-telling-you
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to express that someone doesn't need to know something, typically because it is a secret (sometimes used as a way to attempt to hide someone's wrongdoing); may also be used when someone tries to ask for answers while doing an assignment or examination, or private or confidential information, including passwords.

## Examples

- I am not telling you my password.
- When the student asked for the answers during the test, I said, I'm not telling you.
- Despite his persistent inquiries regarding the confidential source of the leak, she firmly replied, I'm not telling you.

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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.