how could you?

This page is about the conversational phrase how could you?

Meaning

You can say this to someone if you think they've done something bad or wrong.

For example

  • When my son told us he'd dropped out of university, I said, "How could you? After all we've done for you."

  • She admitted she'd stolen company money, and her boss said, "How could you, Emily? We trusted you."

Quick Quiz

She said, "How could you?" after finding out her husband had

a. been in a car accident

b. made her breakfast in bed

c. lost lots of money gambling
a) been in a car accident b) made her breakfast in bed c) lost lots of money gambling

Contributor: Matt Errey