take no for an answer

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Verb

take no for an answer (third-person singular simple present takes no for an answer, present participle taking no for an answer, simple past took no for an answer, past participle taken no for an answer)

1. (idiomatic, chiefly in the negative) To accept a disappointing response.
   • 2024 August 21, Peter Plisner, “The changing role of our railway stations”, in RAIL, number 1016, page 62:

     However, as anyone who knew Adrian Shooter would affirm, he very rarely took no for an answer.

Usage notes

• Chiefly used in the negative to indicate perseverance: "He won't take no for an answer."

Translations

accept a disappointing response

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: please add this translation if you can

• Finnish: hyväksyä kieltävä vastaus
• Russian: please add this translation if you can

See also

• insist