not to worry

British and Australian English INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase not to worry

Meaning

You can say this if you think something isn't important or serious enough to worry about.

For example

  • After she'd lost, her tennis coach said, "Not to worry. It's only the first game."

  • "I can't remember her name, but not to worry. I've got it written down here somewhere."

Variety

This is typically used in British and Australian English but may be used in other varieties of English too.

Quick Quiz

We had to stop playing golf because of the storm. "Not to worry," I said,

a. "We'll be struck by lightning."

b. "We can start again soon."

c. "It's ruined our game."
a) "We'll be struck by lightning." b) "We can start again soon." c) "It's ruined our game."

Contributor: Matt Errey