28 Expressions with “Not”

28 Brilliant Expressions with “Not” (British English You’ll Actually Hear)

If you want to sound natural in British English, learning common expressions with “not” is essential. Native speakers rarely use simple negatives like “no” or “I don’t like it.” Instead, they rely on colourful phrases such as not my cup of tea, not a chance, and not in a million years. In this lesson, you’ll discover 28 popular expressions with “not”, complete with meanings and natural examples — perfect for B2–C1 learners and Cambridge exam preparation.

Not my cup of tea

Meaning: not something you enjoy.

Modern art isn’t really my cup of tea.

Not on my nelly (very British, humorous)

Meaning: absolutely not.

You want me to sing karaoke? Not on my nelly!

Not a chance

Meaning: zero possibility.

Finish it by tonight? Not a chance.

Not for all the tea in China

Meaning: not under any circumstances, no matter the reward.

I wouldn’t go bungee jumping — not for all the tea in China.

Not my circus, not my monkeys

Meaning: not my problem.

They’re arguing again. Not my circus, not my monkeys.

Not half bad (classic British understatement)

Meaning: surprisingly good.

That restaurant’s not half bad, actually.

I couldn’t give a toss (informal British)

Meaning: I don’t care at all.

I couldn’t give a toss what they think.

Not up for it

Meaning: not in the mood or not willing.

I’m exhausted — I’m not up for going out.

Not in a million years

Meaning: never, absolutely impossible.

Move abroad? Not in a million years.

Not on your life

Meaning: absolutely not.

Let you drive my new car? Not on your life.

Not in the mood

Meaning: lacking enthusiasm.

I’m not in the mood for small talk.

Not by a long shot

Meaning: not even close.

Was it perfect? Not by a long shot.

Not worth a tinker’s dam (old-fashioned)

Meaning: completely worthless.

That old gadget’s not worth a tinker’s dam.

Not on any account

Meaning: under no circumstances.

You must not reveal that information — not on any account.

Not the done thing

Meaning: socially unacceptable.

Leaving without thanking the host is not the done thing.

Not my style

Meaning: doesn’t match your taste.

Bright pink suits? Not my style.

Not worth crying over

Meaning: not serious enough to be upset about.

It’s only a small mistake — not worth crying over.

’Fraid not

Meaning: casual “I’m afraid not.”

Are there any tickets left? ’Fraid not.

It’s not cricket (very British)

Meaning: unfair or improper.

Changing the rules halfway through? That’s not cricket.

Not worth the bother

Meaning: not worth the effort.

Fixing it would cost more than replacing it — not worth the bother.

Not in the cards

Meaning: unlikely to happen.

A holiday this year? Not in the cards, I’m afraid.

Not my bag

Meaning: not your interest or preference.

Heavy metal music? Not my bag.

Not in the least

Meaning: not at all.

I’m not in the least surprised.

Not for nothing

Meaning: there’s a reason for it.

Not for nothing, but she’s the best candidate for the job.

Not to mention

Meaning: and also (used to add emphasis).

It was freezing, raining, and windy — not to mention dark.

It’s not over until it’s over

Meaning: don’t give up yet.

We’re behind, but it’s not over until it’s over.

Not if I can help it

Meaning: I’ll do everything to prevent that.

I don’t eat junk food — not if I can help it.

Not over my dead body

Meaning: absolutely never (dramatic).

Cancel Christmas dinner? Not over my dead body.

A Quick Cultural Note 🇬🇧

British English loves:

• understatement (not half bad)
• dramatic exaggeration (not in a million years)
• dry humour (not on my nelly)

Learning expressions like these makes your English sound natural rather than textbook-perfect.

Grammar gives you correctness. Expressions give you personality.

If you start using just three or four of these naturally, your spoken English will immediately feel more confident, more authentic, and more alive.

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