What does “Not born yesterday” mean?
"Not born yesterday" means that someone is not easily fooled or deceived.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I may look young, but I'm not born yesterday.
Example
Don't try to trick me, I'm not born yesterday.
Example
He thought he could pull a fast one on me, but I'm not born yesterday
Is “Not born yesterday” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Not born yesterday” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Not born yesterday” effectively in context?
You can use "Not born yesterday" to assert that you are not easily fooled or deceived. It implies that you have experience and wisdom, and can see through someone's attempts to deceive or manipulate you. For example, if someone tries to sell you a fake product, you might say, 'I may look young, but I'm not born yesterday.'
- 1Negotiation
When negotiating a deal, it's important to show that you're not born yesterday and can recognize unfair terms.
- 2Detecting Lies
She could tell he was lying because she's not born yesterday and knows how to read people's body language.
- 3Avoiding Scams
He didn't fall for the scam because he's not born yesterday and researched the company before making any payments.
Similar phrases to “Not born yesterday”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Not born yesterday” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Not born yesterday" is unknown.
Is “Not born yesterday” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Not born yesterday" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to assert their intelligence and experience, and to show that they cannot be easily deceived.
What tone does “Not born yesterday” have?
"Not born yesterday" conveys a tone of confidence and assertiveness. It's often used to assert one's ability to see through deception and manipulation.
Can “Not born yesterday” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Not born yesterday" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being wise and experienced. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business negotiations or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I'm not born yesterday, I can see through your lies.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "not born yesterday"!' to imply that they cannot be easily fooled.
