Not too shabby

[0272] That's not right

🎲 I don't like it
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Expresses disagreement, points out an error, or indicates disapproval of something considered incorrect, unfair, unjust, or malfunctioning.

Origin

  • A basic and direct statement using fundamental English words. Its meaning is literal.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • That's incorrect. (More formal, for facts/figures)
  • That's wrong. (More direct)
  • This isn't right.
  • Something's amiss. / Something's off.
  • That's unfair. / That's unjust. (Moral context)
  • That's mistaken.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • That ain't right. (Non-standard grammar, very casual)
  • That's messed up. (Disapproval, unfairness)
  • That's bogus. (Slang for false, unfair, or nonsensical)
  • Somethin's off. / Somethin' ain't right.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • That's fucked up. (Strong disapproval/unfairness)
  • That's bullshit. / That's BS. (Disbelief, thinks it's false or unfair)

Milder/More Formal:

  • That appears to be incorrect.
  • I believe there's a mistake here.
  • That is inaccurate.
  • That seems questionable.
  • I must take issue with that.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Suitable for virtually any situation (formal to informal), but the tone determines politeness or confrontation level. A sharp tone can be aggressive.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Its directness can sometimes be perceived as blunt or rude if the tone isn't managed carefully, especially across cultures.

Examples

  • (Pointing at a bill) Excuse me, this charge isn't correct. That's not right.
  • (Hearing unfair gossip) Spreading rumors like that? That's not right.
  • (Hearing a strange noise from a machine) Listen... that's not right. It should be quieter.

Dialogue

Liam: He said he finished the report, but he just copied last year's version and changed the date.

Chloe: What? That's not right! He could get into serious trouble for that.

Liam: I know. I don't know whether to say something.

Social Media Examples

  • Replying to a false claim: Sorry, but that's not right. The actual statistic is...
  • Commenting on injustice: Seeing that company treat its workers so poorly... that's just not right. #workersrights
  • Tech issue: My phone keeps restarting itself. That's not right. Anyone else having this problem? #iphone #bug

Response Patterns

  • Oh? What's wrong? / What do you mean?
  • You're correct, my mistake. Let me fix that. (If acknowledging an error)
  • I know, it's terrible/unfair. (If agreeing with moral objection)
  • Are you sure? / Let me check.
  • Defensiveness: Yes, it is! / Why do you say that?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • After What's wrong?: The speaker explains the specific error or issue.
  • After acknowledgement (You're correct...): Observing the correction or saying Thank you.
  • After agreement (I know, it's terrible.): Further discussion about the injustice or problem.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a reaction to a specific statement, situation, or observation.

Intonation

Varies greatly with context:

  • Factual error: Calm, clear tone, stress on NOT and RIGHT.
  • Moral objection: Stronger, possibly louder, indignant tone. That's NOT RIGHT!
  • Malfunction: Puzzled or concerned tone, maybe slower pace. Hmm, that's... not right.

Generation Differences

  • Universal. Used by all age groups.

Regional Variations

  • Universal in English-speaking countries.
Not too shabby
🎲 I don't like it