Don’t ask

usgb
phrase

Used to indicate that you do not want to explain something because it is complex or because it might be embarrassing or unpleasant.

I found your wallet in a strange place - don't ask!
Visual representation of "don’t ask" - Used to indicate that you do not want to explain something because it is complex or because it might be embarrassing or unpleasant.

Often appears as...

  • don't ask me why
  • don't ask me how

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to tell someone not to inquire about something specific because they won't like the answer or it could cause trouble.

I'd stop asking about his past if I were you. Trust me, don't ask.
Visual representation of "don’t ask" - Used to tell someone not to inquire about something specific because they won't like the answer or it could cause trouble.

Often appears as...

  • don't ask questions
  • don't ask about it

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to suggest that someone does not know a particular piece of information and therefore cannot give a definite answer.

Who ate the last cookie? Don't ask me!
Visual representation of "don’t ask" - Used to suggest that someone does not know a particular piece of information and therefore cannot give a definite answer.

Often appears as...

  • don't ask me
  • don't ask me why

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to indicate that you do not want to explain something because it is complex or because it might be embarrassing or unpleasant.

I found your wallet in a strange place - don't ask!
Visual representation of "don’t ask" - Used to indicate that you do not want to explain something because it is complex or because it might be embarrassing or unpleasant.

Often appears as...

  • don't ask me why
  • don't ask me how

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Used to tell someone not to inquire about something specific because they won't like the answer or it could cause trouble.

I'd stop asking about his past if I were you. Trust me, don't ask.
Visual representation of "don’t ask" - Used to tell someone not to inquire about something specific because they won't like the answer or it could cause trouble.

Often appears as...

  • don't ask questions
  • don't ask about it

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Used to suggest that someone does not know a particular piece of information and therefore cannot give a definite answer.

Who ate the last cookie? Don't ask me!
Visual representation of "don’t ask" - Used to suggest that someone does not know a particular piece of information and therefore cannot give a definite answer.

Often appears as...

  • don't ask me
  • don't ask me why

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "don’t ask"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Subtle Hints

The phrase often implies something humorous or awkward happened, not just complex.

Illustration for Subtle Hints
I got locked out in my pajamas—don't ask!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversation Ender

It's a polite way to close a topic you don't wish to discuss further.

Illustration for Conversation Ender
Let's just say the dinner went badly, don't ask.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasize Messiness

Use it to stress the complexity or the messy nature of the situation.

Illustration for Emphasize Messiness
The project had so many issues, don't ask.
Visual representation of the word "Don’t ask"

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