you shouldn't have

idiom

Meaning

Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift.

Origin

disputed origin

Abbreviated from full sentence with verb, such as "you shouldn't have gone through all that trouble" or "you shouldn't have spent so much money".

Examples

SIMPLE

Oh, a gift for me? You shouldn't have!

CONTEXTUAL

When she handed me the beautiful flowers, I smiled and said, you shouldn't have.

COMPLEX

Though I insisted that no gesture was necessary, I accepted the thoughtful present, murmuring that you shouldn't have.

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