Pick up what someone is putting down

[0204] No, thank you

🎲 I'm afraid I can't
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • The standard polite way to refuse an offer or decline something.

Origin

  • Basic polite English construction.
  • Combines a clear refusal (No) with politeness (thank you) acknowledging the offer itself.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • No, thanks. (Slightly more informal)
  • I'm alright, thank you. / I'm good, thanks. (Informal, implies current satisfaction)
  • I appreciate the offer, but no. (Slightly more formal/emphatic)
  • Not right now, thank you. (Suggests possibility later)
  • I'll pass, thank you. (Informal refusal of an opportunity/item)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Nah, I'm good. / I'm good. (Very common casual refusal)
  • Nope. / Nah. (Very informal, can be abrupt)
  • I'll pass.
  • Not for me, thanks.

Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong refusal, often annoyed or defiant, NOT polite):

  • Hell no.
  • No fucking way.
  • Fuck that.

Milder/Standard:

  • No, thanks.
  • Not today, thank you.
  • I'd rather not, thank you.
  • I must decline, thank you. (Formal)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Universally appropriate.
  • Suitable for all levels of formality, from casual interactions to the most formal occasions. It is the default polite refusal.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Extremely clear and fundamental.
  • Highly unlikely to be misunderstood.

Examples

  • Server: Would you like more water? Customer: No, thank you.
  • Friend: Want a piece of gum? You: No, thank you.
  • Offer: Can I get you anything else? Response: No, thank you, I'm all set.

Dialogue

Cashier: Would you like to sign up for our rewards card today?

Shopper: No, thank you.

Cashier: Okay, your total is $25.50.

Social Media Examples

  • Replying to an automated DM offer: Get 10% off your next order! -> No, thank you.
  • Comment on a post offering something unwanted: Anyone want my old sofa? -> No, thank you, but good luck finding it a home!

Response Patterns

  • The person making the offer usually accepts the refusal politely and moves on.
  • Okay. / Alright. / No problem. / Very well.
  • Occasionally, if the offerer thinks the refuser misunderstood: Are you sure?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After the refusal:

  • The offerer stops offering that specific item/service.
  • The interaction might end, or the conversation moves to another topic.

Action:

  • The offer is withdrawn or not pursued further.

Conversation Starter

  • No.
  • It is exclusively a response to an offer or question.

Intonation

  • Polite, often gentle or neutral tone.
  • Usually even stress, or slight stress on No or thank.
  • Typically falling intonation at the end. No, thank you.

Generation Differences

  • Used consistently across all generations. A fundamental polite phrase.

Regional Variations

  • Standard and ubiquitous across all major English-speaking regions.
Pick up what someone is putting down
🎲 I'm afraid I can't