don't be daft

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/dəʊnt bi dɑːft/
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A casual, chiefly British way to tell someone that an idea, action, or worry is foolish or unrealistic.

Examples

  • When I said I might quit, Maya said, don't be daft, just ask for help.
  • She laughed and said, don't be daft, when I offered to pay twice.
  • Don't be daft, nobody expects you to finish tonight.
  • His brother told him, don't be daft, and took the keys away.
  • Don't be daft, that ladder is far too short.

Similar words

use your head
don't be ridiculous
get real
don't be foolish
be sensible
don't be silly
come off it

Meanings

Usage

Use don't be daft with people and situations where informal correction is acceptable, and choose a milder or more formal phrase when respect or distance matters.

Common mistakes

Don't daft drops be, and don't be daftly turns the adjective into an adverb where the fixed phrase needs daft.

Etymology

From the ordinary imperative don't be plus daft, a chiefly British adjective meaning silly or foolish.

FAQ

What does don't be daft mean?

Don't be daft means do not be silly, foolish, unrealistic, or needlessly worried.

Is don't be daft British?

Yes. Don't be daft is especially common in British English, though it is understandable in other varieties.

Is don't be daft rude?

It can sound teasing or mildly critical. Don't be daft is usually informal, not suitable for respectful formal contexts.

What does daft mean?

Daft means silly, foolish, or lacking good sense, often in a mild or playful way.

Can don't be daft be used in formal writing?

Usually no. Don't be daft is conversational, so formal writing normally uses be sensible, that is unrealistic, or that is unwise.

How is don't be daft pronounced?

Don't be daft is pronounced /dəʊnt bi dɑːft/ in a common British reading.

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