That's not right

[0273] I don't like it

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A straightforward declaration of personal dislike or negative opinion about something.

Origin

  • Basic English sentence structure expressing a negative preference (like negated by do not).

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • I dislike it. (Slightly more formal)
  • It's not for me.
  • I'm not a fan (of it).
  • It doesn't appeal to me.
  • It's not my cup of tea. (More polite/indirect)
  • I'm not keen on it. (UK/Aus)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Not my thing.
  • Ain't feelin' it. / Not feelin' it.
  • It's wack. / That's wack. (Slang for bad/uncool)
  • It sucks. (General negative feeling)
  • Thumbs down from me.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • I fucking hate it.
  • This is shit. / It's shite. (UK/Irish)
  • It's garbage. / Trash.

Milder/More Polite:

  • It's not really my preference.
  • I'm not particularly fond of it.
  • It doesn't quite work for me.
  • I prefer something different.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Can be used in informal and semi-formal contexts.
  • In situations requiring tact (like giving feedback on someone's personal creation or work), it can sound blunt or harsh without softening phrases (To be honest..., I'm sorry, but...).

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • While the meaning is clear, learners should be aware of its potential bluntness in sensitive situations. Pairing it with reasons or softer phrasing is often better.

Examples

  • I tried the spinach smoothie, but I don't like it.
  • Thanks for showing me the design, but I'm sorry, I don't like it.
  • Can you change the channel? I don't like this show.

Dialogue

Developer: Here's the new website layout. Let me know your thoughts.

Client: Hmm. Thanks for sending it over. To be honest, I don't like it. The colours feel a bit jarring.

Developer: Okay, I appreciate the feedback. What kind of colour palette were you envisioning?

Social Media Examples

  • Review: Tried the new restaurant. Service was good, food... I don't like it. Very bland. #foodreview #disappointed
  • Opinion: Am I the only one who doesn't like the new app update? Bring the old version back! #userfeedback
  • Reaction: Watched the movie everyone's raving about. Meh. I don't like it. 🤷‍♂️

Response Patterns

  • Oh, okay. Why not?
  • Really? What is it you don't like?
  • Fair enough. / Each to their own.
  • Sorry you feel that way.
  • (If they like it) Oh, I love it!

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • After Why not?: The speaker explains their reasons for disliking it.
  • After Fair enough.: The conversation might move on, or the disliked item might be changed/removed.
  • The speaker might suggest an alternative they *do* like.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's a statement of opinion, usually in response to something.

Intonation

  • Typically stated plainly with stress on DON'T and LIKE.
  • Can range from quiet and hesitant (Well... I don't really like it.) to firm and definite (No, I DON'T LIKE it.).

Generation Differences

  • Universal.

Regional Variations

  • Universal.
That's not right
🎲 Miss the mark