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Not give anyone the time of day Meaning in English

expression · lemma: not give someone the time of day

NOT GIV EN-ee-wuhn THUH TIME uhv DAY
NOT GIV EN-ih-won THUH TIME OV DAY

Definition

To completely ignore someone or refuse to talk to them, often because you think they are unimportant or not worth your attention.

Usage & Nuances

This idiom is informal and sometimes mildly negative. It implies deliberate ignoring, often out of arrogance or disdain. Commonly used in the structure: 'He won't give me the time of day.' Not literal—has nothing to do with actual time.

Example Sentences

She was so rude that she wouldn't give anyone the time of day.

basic

No matter how hard he tried, they wouldn't give him the time of day.

basic

The celebrity didn't give anyone the time of day at the event.

basic

I tried to say hi, but she wouldn't even give me the time of day.

natural

If you act like that, people won't give you the time of day.

natural

He was so arrogant, he wouldn't give anyone the time of day in the meeting.

natural