Don’t You Dare

Meaning of Idiom ‘Don’t You Dare’

Saying “don’t you dare” is a way of telling someone not to do something, and if they do, you will be angry or annoyed at them. ¹,²

Usage

The idiom is often used in a humorous, half-serious way but can be used seriously. The intention depends on the context, facial expressions, and body language of the person using the expression.

Examples Of Use

“Don’t you dare track mud into this house,” said mom.

“I think I’ll eat your lunch, it looks tasty, said Rick. “Don’t you dare touch my lunch,” said Vicky, laughing.

“Don’t you dare go to the press over this,” said Mr. Perry. “Not if you want to keep your job!”

Origin

Used since at least the late 1800’s. To dare means to have enough courage to do something; to be bold.

More Idioms Starting with D

• Drive Someone Up the Wall
• Drive Into
• Down the Rabbit Hole
• Desk Jockey
• Days Of Yore

More Dare Idioms

More Don’t Idioms

• Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t
• Don’t Believe Everything You Read
• Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels
• Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk
• Don’t Start
• Don’t Mind Me

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References

1. Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.
2. McIntosh, Colin. Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Cambridge University Press, 2013.