I Don’t Care to
I began my blog in 2013 to help international friends understand English idioms. I don’t care to is an idiom that also confuses people who speak English as their primary language.
I don’t care to has two opposite meanings.
In other parts of the world, it means I don’t want to do something. However, in my neck of the woods, it means I don’t mind, or I will be glad to do it.
Same phrase. Opposite meanings. Are you confused yet? I usually try to avoid this expression but still say it occasionally.
I don’t care to can be changed to a question.
Asking, “Do you care to?” risks all the same confusion.
Usually, I don’t care (without the “to”) means I have no feelings either way.
It doesn’t matter. I have no preference.
However, it often means the opposite when a person becomes upset. Then, it means I care a great deal but refuse to admit it. I am angry or hurt but don’t want to say so.
I delayed tackling this expression for a long time.
How could I explain it without confusing everyone?
I apologize if you must read this post again to understand it. However, I hope it helps when you encounter people who mean the opposite of what you think.
“Listen carefully to what I say; let my words ring in your ears” (Job 13:17 NIV).
Thanks to Denise Wilder for the suggestion. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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