1284 Don't get me started on..

Explanation

A warning (sometimes genuine, sometimes humorous) that the speaker has very strong, lengthy, and often negative opinions on the topic just mentioned.
Implies that beginning the discussion could lead to a long rant or passionate monologue.

Origin

Literal meaning: Do not initiate me talking about this subject.
Implies a pent-up store of thoughts or feelings ready to be released if prompted.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

That topic is my kryptonite. (Figurative weakness/trigger)
I will go OFF if we talk about that. (Go off = rant angrily)
That's my soapbox issue. (Something they preach about)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Don't fucking get me started on...

Milder:

I have rather strong views on that subject.
That's a topic I feel quite passionately about.

Situational Appropriateness

Informal to semi-formal. Signals strong emotion, usually negative. Use depends on context and relationship with the listener. Can be humorous.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Learners might take it as a strict prohibition. While it *can* be, it's often used hyperbolically to express strong feelings, and the speaker might actually *want* to talk about it. Tone is crucial.

Examples

Person A: What do you think of the new traffic scheme? Person B: Oh, don't get me started on that mess!
Don't even get me started on customer service hotlines.
Reality TV shows? Don't get me started.

Dialogue

Mia: I was thinking of trying that new vegan restaurant downtown.

Leo: Oh god, don't get me started on that place. We went last week, and the service was atrocious, the portions were tiny, and honestly, my salad tasted like lawn clippings... [continues]

Mia: Wow, okay! Good to know.

Response Patterns

Oh? (Often a playful invitation to start anyway)
Okay, topic dropped! (Heeding the warning)
Why, what's the issue? (Curiosity)
Laughter (if the tone suggests exaggeration or humor)
I feel the same way! (Shared passion/frustration)

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing Don't get me started:

The listener might test the waters (Just tell me the main thing that bothers you) or change the subject (Okay, noted! So, about...).

Often, the speaker:

Proceeds to get started anyway, launching into their opinion despite the initial phrase.

Conversation Starter

No. A reaction to a specific topic being introduced.

Intonation

Often emphatic, with stress on Don't and started. DON'T get me STARTED on...
Tone can range from genuinely annoyed to playfully warning.

Generation Differences

Common across most adult generations.

Regional Variations

Widely used in major English-speaking regions.

Here we go again

🎲 Spare me the details

[1284] Don't get me started on..