not give someone the time of day

not give (one) the time of day

To completely ignore, disregard, or be unfriendly toward one. My colleagues wouldn't give me the time of day after they found out that my father had influenced the company's decision to hire me. Once he found such huge success, Tom won't give any of his old friends the time of day. That guy didn't give me the time of day back in high school, and now he won't stop calling me.See also: give, not, of, time

not give someone the time of day

Ignore someone, refuse to pay the slightest attention to someone, as in He's tried to be friendly but she won't give him the time of day. This expression, first recorded in 1864, alludes to refusing even to answer the question, "What time is it?" See also: give, not, of, someone, time