Overstaying your welcome
Informal Depends on context
What it really means
British hosts rarely say directly that it's time to leave — they hint. Watch for: "Well, it's been lovely...", slow stretching, checking the time, mentioning an early start tomorrow, or offering "one last cup of tea". These all mean the evening is ending. Take the hint gracefully and start your goodbyes.
Chinese explanation
英国主人很少直接说"该走了"——他们会暗示。注意这些信号："Well, it's been lovely..."（今晚真愉快……）、伸懒腰、看时间、提到明天要早起、或问"要不要最后一杯茶"。这些都表示聚会接近尾声。体面地领会暗示，开始道别吧。
Example conversation
A: Well, this has been really lovely...
B: (to a friend, quietly) That's our cue — grab your coat.
A: You off? Let me get your things.
A：嗯，今晚真的很愉快……
B：（小声对朋友说）这是暗示我们了——拿外套吧。
A：要走了？我去帮你们拿东西。
What you could say back
Related phrases
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All Customs & Etiquette
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake