who wants to know

English

Phrase

who wants to know?

1. (idiomatic) A retort to a question posed by a stranger, when one does not want to either confirm or deny.

   Synonym: depends who's asking

   • 1998, Alison Bechdel, Split-Level Dykes to Watch Out For,, page 119:

     Albert: Adam and Eve on a raft! Is that Eunice Carruthers?
     Eunice: Who wants to know?
     Albert: Al's Diner! You waitressed for me back in '78, '79! I'd never forget that pretty face!
     Eunice: Well, Mr. Ramsey! How do you like that? I didn't recognize you without your apron!

Related terms

• want to know
• that's for me to know and you to find out