know when one is not wanted

know when (one) is not wanted

To realize or understand when one is not or no longer welcome. OK, fine, I'll leave. I know when I'm not wanted! I just wish he knew when he wasn't wanted. I mean, it's pretty clear none of us enjoys his company.

See also: know, not, want

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

know when one is not wanted

to sense when one's presence is not welcome; to know when one is not among friends. (Usually said when someone feels hurt by being ignored by people.) I'm leaving this place! I know when I'm not wanted! She doesn't know when she's not wanted. Can't she tell she's out of place?

See also: know, not, one, want

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