Idiom
never mind
Meanings
Used to tell someone not to worry about something; it doesn’t matter.
Used to withdraw what you just said or asked; used to stop discussing a topic or cancel a request.
Definition
“Never mind” is used to tell someone not to worry about something or to say that something is no longer important.
“Never mind” is a common phrase used to reassure someone and reduce concern, especially after a small mistake or problem. It can also be used to drop a topic, cancel a request, or say that something doesn’t matter anymore. In conversation, it often signals that you want to move on to something else.
Examples
- I’m sorry I’m late—never mind, we’ve only just started.
- Never mind the mess; I’ll clean it up later.
- Can you send me the link? Oh, never mind, I’ve found it.
- If you can’t make it tonight, never mind—we’ll meet another day.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use “never mind” to mean “it’s not your business,” but it usually means “don’t worry” or “forget it,” and can sound rude if used sharply.