The same thing happened to the phrase tell me about it as if i don't know it! this phrase is so common in american english that every speaker knows that the usage of one of its parts implies the existence of the other one. So, it is not necessary to say as if i don't know it if you say tell me about it, and vice versa. Jun 18, 2021 · my personal belief is this originated as when i say jump, you jump!, don't ask how high but the how high part emerged later as a way to emphasize the need for proactive compliance. If john tells fred to jump, fred will ask how high. In this case, the speaker is saying that fred is the sort of person who will quickly obey a command from john.
But the more common meanings of the terms has see and listen (understanding) against look and hear (no understanding implied). The expression don't mention it is in the meaning as that's too little to mention. There are similar thank you responses in other languages, like the german nights zu danken (too little to thank for) or swedish det var så lite så (that was so little). But it doesn't mean in the past. (i'm thinking maybe it's subjunctive mood, but that's just a guess. ) Apr 24, 2011 · don't ask, don't tell (dadt) is the term commonly used for the policy restricting united states military personnel from efforts to discriminate or harass closeted homosexual or bisexual service members or applicants, while barring those who are openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual from military service. Dec 29, 2018 · don't ask questions for the sake of asking questions. By that i mean don't ask a question if you don't want to listen to the answer. Few things in this world are as frustrating to an interviewer as giving a thorough answer, only to find the student is paying no attention. Nevertheless, the idea behind the saying is quite old. There is a different meaning for don't mind, something like don't object. But in the use you are talking about, the difference is as you've described. I think of it in terms of what's implied: Means something like thank you for asking, as i might have had a preference, but actually i don't care to express one. Dec 3, 2015 · the saying “never ask a barber if he thinks you need a haircut” means “don’t ask a person about their own activity, because they are in a conflict of interest and can only answer in one way”.
There is a different meaning for don't mind, something like don't object. But in the use you are talking about, the difference is as you've described. I think of it in terms of what's implied: Means something like thank you for asking, as i might have had a preference, but actually i don't care to express one. Dec 3, 2015 · the saying “never ask a barber if he thinks you need a haircut” means “don’t ask a person about their own activity, because they are in a conflict of interest and can only answer in one way”. Thus, it is an equivalent to “don’t ask silly questions”.
Thus, it is an equivalent to “don’t ask silly questions”.