Skip to main content

If you must

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.

13 November 2025

If you must

We use this expression to say that someone can do something, but we perhaps prefer them not to do it.

Written: No

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

I've left my dictionary at home. Can I borrow yours?

If you must. But I need it again in about an hour, OK?

Example 2

Do you mind if I open the window - it's stuffy in here.

If you must. But I've got a cold, so just for 10 minutes.

Find more phrases

Previous Day
Next Day
Today's Phrase
Oct2025
07