if you must

This page is about the conversational phrase if you must

Meaning

You can say this if you're allowing someone to do something you don't really want them to do.

For example

  • "Can we smoke cigars in here?"
    "If you must."

  • "Is it OK if I have some more ice-cream?"
    "If you must, but not too much! There's only a little bit left."

Note:
Also "if you really must"

Quick Quiz

He said, "Can I go too?" and she said, "If you must." She

a. wanted him to go

b. knew he had no choice

c. didn't really want him to go
a) wanted him to go b) knew he had no choice c) didn't really want him to go

Contributor: Matt Errey