# not want to do that

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-want-to-do-that
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be in a state of doing or being about to do something that one is likely to regret; usually unknowingly or forgetfully.

## Examples

- You do not want to do that with the hot stove.
- If you send that angry email to your boss, you really do not want to do that.
- Before you commit your entire savings to such a volatile market, consider that you do not want to do that.

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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.