(I) hope not

(I) hope not

1. I wish or desire that something is not or will not be the case. A: "I don't think we'll have to work this weekend." B: "Hope not! I've got big plans!" There's a chance that the engine is busted, but I hope not. They're saying it's supposed to snow today? Ugh, I hope not—I really don't want to have to drive home in the snow.

2. I would naturally expect that this would not happen or be true. A: "Don't worry, you won't have to pay for the additional service." B: "I certainly hope not, seeing as I never agreed to it in the first place!" A: "OK, Bill's definitely not coming tonight." B: "Well, I would hope not, seeing as he has the stomach flu!" A: "My manager said you won't be charged for that item." B: "I would hope not—it arrived broken in two pieces!"

See also: hope, not

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(I) hope not.

a phrase expressing the desire and wish that something is not so. John: It looks like it's going to rain. Jane: Hope not. John: The Wilsons said they might come over this evening. Jane: I hope not. I've got things to do.

See also: hope, not

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.