if you don't mind
1. Used to politely introduce a request or desire to make sure someone doesn't object. If you don't mind, could you please go through this report for me and see if there are any errors? I'm going to go lie down for a little while, if you don't mind. I'd like to review the contract one more time, if you don't mind.
2. A polite affirmative response when asked if one wants something to be done. A: "Do you want me to sort through these papers on your desk?" B: "If you don't mind. Thank you, Harry." A: "Should I take this in to Grandma?" B: "If you don't mind. Thanks, honey." A: "Hey, should I file these old exams now?" B: "Yes, if you don't mind."
3. A rebuke for something, especially a faux pas or instance of tactlessness. A: "Hey, Jeanne, I was just wondering—" B: "If you don't mind! I'm getting dressed in here, get out!" If you don't mind, you're standing a bit too close to me. If you don't mind! Goodness, who just barges into the bathroom when someone's showering?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
If you don't mind!
1. an expression that rebukes someone for some minor social violation. When Bill accidentally sat on Mary's purse, which she had placed in the seat next to her, she said, somewhat angrily, "If you don't mind!" Bill (pushing his way in front of Mary in the checkout line): Excuse me. Mary: If you don't mind! I was here first! Bill: I'm in a hurry. Mary: So am I!
2. a polite way of introducing a request. Bill: If you don't mind, could you move a little to the left? Sally: No problem. (moving) Is that all right? Bill: Yeah. Great! Thanks! Jane: If you don't mind, could I have your broccoli? John: Help yourself.
3. a vague phrase answering yes to a question that asks whether one should do something. Tom: Do you want me to take these dirty dishes away? Mary: If you don't mind. Bill: Shall I close the door? Sally: If you don't mind.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.