# take no for an answer

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-no-for-an-answer
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To accept a disappointing response.

## Examples

- He is very stubborn and will not take no for an answer.
- The salesperson was so persistent that he simply refused to take no for an answer when I tried to leave.
- Despite the committee's repeated rejections of his proposal, the ambitious architect refused to take no for an answer and continued to lobby for his vision.

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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.