if you don't mind


if you don't mind

1. Used to politely introduce a request or desire to make sure someone doesn't object. If you don't mind, could you please go through this report for me and see if there are any errors? I'm going to go lie down for a little while, if you don't mind.2. A polite affirmative response when asked if one wants something to be done. A: "Do you want me to sort through these papers on your desk?" B: "If you don't mind. Thank you, Harry."3. A rebuke for something, especially a faux pas or instance of tactlessness. A: "Hey, Jeanne, I was just wondering—" B: "If you don't mind! I'm getting dressed in here, get out!" If you don't mind, you're standing a bit too close to me.See also: if, mind

If you don't mind!

 1. an expression that rebukes someone for some minor social violation. When Bill accidentally sat on Mary's purse, which she had placed in the seat next to her, she said, somewhat angrily, "If you don't mind!" Bill (pushing his way in front of Mary in the checkout line): Excuse me. Mary: If you don't mind! I was here first! Bill: I'm in a hurry. Mary: So am I! 2. a polite way of introducing a request. Bill: If you don't mind, could you move a little to the left? Sally: No problem. (moving) Is that all right? Bill: Yeah. Great! Thanks! Jane: If you don't mind, could I have your broccoli? John: Help yourself. 3. a vague phrase answering yes to a question that asks whether one should do something. Tom: Do you want me to take these dirty dishes away? Mary: If you don't mind. Bill: Shall I close the door? Sally: If you don't mind.See also: if

if you ˌdon’t ˈmind

,

if you ˌwouldn’t ˈmind

(spoken)
1 used to check that somebody does not object to something you want to do, or to ask somebody politely to do something: I’d like to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind. ♢ Can you read that form carefully, if you wouldn’t mind, and then sign it.
2 (often ironic) used to show that you object to something that somebody has said or done: I give the orders around here, if you don’t mind.
3 used to refuse an offer politely: ‘Will you come with us tonight?’ ‘I won’t, if you don’t mind — I’ve got a lot of work to do.’See also: if, mind