let’s not and say we did: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘let's not and say we did’ mean?
"Let's not and say we did" is an idiom used to suggest avoiding an activity or responsibility while still claiming to have done it. It implies a desire to evade or deceive without facing the consequences of the truth.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *let slip* means to accidentally reveal something that was supposed to be kept secret or to accidentally lose control of a situation. It can also mean to miss an opportunity or to fail to take advantage of something. The idiom is often used when someone unintentionally says or does something that they shouldn't have, leading to unforeseen consequences.
The idiom "let slide" means to intentionally ignore or disregard something, usually a mistake or an offense, without taking any action or expressing disapproval.
The idiom "let it be" means to leave something alone or to not interfere with a situation. It suggests accepting or allowing things to happen without trying to control or change them.
The idiom "let alone" is used to emphasize that one thing is even more unlikely or difficult than another. It is commonly used to show contrast or to explain that something is too extreme or extreme for consideration.
The idiom "kick the can down the road" means to delay or postpone addressing a problem or making a decision, often because it is difficult or unpopular to do so at the present time.
The idiom "keep quiet" means to remain silent or not speak, especially when it is important to do so in order to maintain secrecy, avoid trouble, or not reveal information.
The idiom "I never did" is often used to express disbelief or surprise at something that someone has said or done. It conveys the speaker's strong reaction and implies that the action or statement is unexpected or contradictory to their expectations.
The idiom "hiding to nothing" means to be in a situation where one is bound to fail or face certain defeat, regardless of the efforts made. It implies a futile or hopeless endeavor with no chance of success or favorable outcome.
Embracing False Experiences
The idiom "let's not and say we did" is a colloquial expression used to reject the idea of participating in an activity or taking responsibility for something, while still maintaining the appearance of having done so. It can be traced back to the early 20th century and is primarily used in casual conversations and informal settings.
One of the earliest instances of this idiom can be found in a 1913 publication titled "Stupidities and Scurrilities" by Elbert Hubbard. In the book, he wrote, "I've a scheme for driving him mad. Let's not and say we did." This shows that the phrase was already popular at that time. Unfortunately, it is difficult to establish a definitive origin or etymology of the phrase due to its informal nature and lack of extensive documentation.
Furthermore, "let's not and say we did" is a variant of the longer phrase "Let’s let the sleeping dogs lie, let’s not, and say we did." This longer version means to avoid stirring up trouble or bringing attention to a potentially controversial matter. The shorter version simplifies this meaning but still conveys the idea of avoiding involvement.
Although the idiom can be interpreted in a variety of situations, its true meaning lies in intentionally choosing to avoid taking part in an action or accepting responsibility. By using this phrase, individuals can politely decline an invitation or suggestion without appearing rude or confrontational. It allows for the rejection of an offer while maintaining social harmony.
In a contemporary context, this idiom is often used humorously or sarcastically to express disinterest or lack of enthusiasm towards a particular activity. For example, if faced with a tedious task or a boring event, someone might say "Let's not and say we did" to convey their disinterest while still maintaining a lighthearted tone.
The popularity and continued use of the idiom "let's not and say we did" in American English can be attributed to its simplicity and versatility. Its brevity makes it easy to incorporate into everyday conversations, and its non-confrontational nature allows for socially acceptable rejections or dismissals. While the specific usage and origin of the idiom may remain somewhat elusive, it continues to be a part of colloquial language, offering a subtle and often humorous way to decline involvement.
In relation to the idiom "let's not and say we did," there are several related idioms that share a similar theme of avoiding responsibility or confrontation. One such idiom is "cop out," which refers to avoiding doing something that one should do or taking a position of irresponsibility. It is often used to express disapproval of someone shirking their duty or obligation. In a similar vein, the idiom "above the fray" means to stay out of a conflict or controversy and maintain a neutral position. It implies avoiding getting involved in arguments or disputes. Another related idiom is "I'm not the one," which is used to distance oneself from responsibility or accountability in a particular situation or decision. It suggests that someone else should take the blame or face the consequences. These idioms further highlight the theme of avoiding involvement and evading responsibility, similar to the idiom "let's not and say we did."
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "let's not and say we did" can be used in a sentence:
- After being invited to a party she didn't want to attend, Mary said, "Let's not and say we did" to politely decline the invitation without giving a direct refusal.
- When asked if he had completed his homework, the student replied, "Let's not and say we did" in hopes of avoiding any consequences for not completing his assignment.
- Knowing he was unlikely to be selected for the project, John whispered to his friend, "Let's not and say we did" so they could avoid the extra work and pressure.
The idiom "let's not and say we did" is commonly used to express a desire to avoid participating in or acknowledging something, usually to evade responsibility, effort, or consequences.
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