I'm telling you

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase I'm telling you

Meaning

You can use this to emphasize that what you're saying is true, especially if it's surprising, shocking or hard to believe.

For example

  • "Nigeria couldn't have beaten Brazil!"
    "I'm telling you - Nigeria won! I'm not kidding!"

  • "They can all find jobs if they really want them."
    "They can't - I'm telling you! There just aren't enough jobs around!"

Quick Quiz

You can say "I'm telling you!" to someone if they

a. can't hear you

b. can't believe you

c. can't understand you
a) can't hear you b) can't believe you c) can't understand you

Contributor: Matt Errey