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Don't you dare

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

9 December 2025

Don't you dare

We use this expression to warn someone not to do something. Often it's not a very serious situation.

Written: No

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

There's only one chocolate left. Can I have it?

Don't you dare! I'm saving that for Molly. She hasn't had one yet.

Example 2

Mary! I'm going to push you in the swimming-pool - come here!

Don't you dare! I haven't got time for games like that.

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