Not give somebody the time of day

usgb
phrase

To not show respect or attention to someone because you do not think they are important or worth your time.

She is so high on her pedestal, she wouldn't give the lower ranking employees the time of day.
Visual representation of "not give somebody the time of day" - To not show respect or attention to someone because you do not think they are important or worth your time

Often appears as...

  • wouldn't give me the time of day
  • can't even give him the time of day

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not give somebody the time of day"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Social Rejection

This phrase often implies the speaker thinks they're better than the person they're ignoring.

Illustration for Social Rejection
Even though I tried to be friendly, the new manager didn't give me the time of day.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expressing Disdain

Use it to convey someone's disregard or lack of interest in another person.

Illustration for Expressing Disdain
He's so arrogant that he doesn't give anyone the time of day unless they're famous.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Indicating Importance

It implies the ignored person is deemed unworthy of attention or time by the ignorer.

Illustration for Indicating Importance
Since she won the award, she won't give her old friends the time of day.
Visual representation of the word "Not give somebody the time of day"

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