I don't know

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English[edit]

Pronunciation[edit]

  • (US) IPA(key): [ɑ̈ɪ̯ ɾoʊ̯(ʔ)(t̚) noʊ̯]
    • (file)
  • (tonal) IPA(key): [ə̃ː˦˩˦], [mː-], [-˩˥˨]
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -əʊ

Phrase[edit]

I don't know

  1. A phrase used in response to a question or command in which the target person does not know the answer to or how to respond.
    • 1982, “You Can't Do That on Television”, in Nickelodeon, season 3, episode 11:
      Mr. Schidtler: Does anybody here have any idea why "Inestine" was regarded as a great scientist? Kevin?
      Kevin: Oh, uh, I don't know.
  2. A reason and common excuse used to state that a person is unclear of why something did or did not happen, or is or is not the case.
    • 1984, Alasdair, You Can't Do That on Television, Nickelodeon, season 5, episode 24:
      I don't know why Blip just shuts off the power and then blames it on the weather.
  3. A phrase used to indicate that one is speculating (often used sarcastically when stating the obvious).
    Maybe you could, I don't know, directly talk to her about it instead of complaining to me for once?
  4. (Wales) A phrase used to express exasperation or incredulity for a given situation or person.
    The audacity of that lad...I don't know.

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