Thepoke iconThepokeSep 23, 2026

‘What’s the most British way to say “Absolutely not” without actually saying it?’ – 21 to file away for future use

It can be really difficult to say no, but the people who have mastered the art are the ones who don't have to burn the candle at both ends, and don't carry seething resentments towards everyone around them. There are varying degrees of politeness, including some that are not even the slightest bit polite, but […]

‘What’s the most British way to say “Absolutely not” without actually saying it?’ – 21 to file away for future use

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It can be really difficult to say no, but the people who have mastered the art are the ones who don't have to burn the candle at both ends, and don't carry seething resentments towards everyone around them.

There are varying degrees of politeness, including some that are not even the slightest bit polite, but […]

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It can be really difficult to say no, but the people who have mastered the art are the ones who don't have to burn the candle at both ends, and don't carry seething resentments towards everyone around them. There are varying degrees of politeness, including some that are not even the slightest bit polite, but […]

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