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I'm not the one

idiom
Meaning

A warning to an individual who has greatly offended one's dignity or has acted or spoken insolently.


Origin

disputed origin

Ellipsis of "I'm not the one to mess with", "I'm not the one you think I am" or some comparable expression.

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't talk to me like that, I'm not the one.

CONTEXTUAL

If you think you can disrespect me in front of my friends, you have another thing coming because I'm not the one.

COMPLEX

She stood her ground firmly, making it clear to her insolent colleague that she was not the one to be trifled with in such a condescending manner.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  2. 02

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  3. 03

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  4. 04

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

  5. 05

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

  6. 06

    bite off more than one can chew

    To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

  7. 07

    bite the big one

    To perform poorly; to fail.

  8. 08

    bite the hand that feeds one

    To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

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