I wouldn't dream of it

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.

5 January 2026

We use this expression to say that we completely refuse a suggestion or idea - often to be polite.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: Yes

Informal: Yes

Example 1

If you found £100 in the street, would you keep it?

I wouldn't dream of it. I'd go straight to the police with the money.

Example 2

Here, you can drop me here and I can walk the rest of the way home.

No. I wouldn't dream of it - it's dark and it's late, so I'll drive you home.