you don't say

This page is about the conversational phrase you don't say

Meaning

You can say this if you're surprised by what someone's told you, esp. if it's good news.

For example

  • "Jenny's expecting another baby."
    "You don't say! That's wonderful!"

  • "My daughter got into Oxford University!"
    "You don't say. I wish my girl had."

Note:
Can also be used ironically if someone states the obvious, as in "It's really cold in Antarctica." "You don't say!"

Quick Quiz

Mark said, "You don't say!" after John had said,

a. "I'm telling them you cheated!"

b. "What should I tell them?"

c. "I passed my exam!"
a) "I'm telling them you cheated!" b) "What should I tell them?" c) "I passed my exam!"

Contributor: Matt Errey