Don't go to any trouble

Neutral Polite

What it really means

Polite modesty from a guest. It means "please do not make extra work for me" — but accepting a cup of tea and a biscuit is still expected and welcome. It is not a refusal.

Chinese explanation

客人的礼貌谦辞，意思是"别为我多张罗"——但接过一杯茶、一块饼干仍是预期中的礼节。这句并不是拒绝。

Example conversation

A: I'll make sandwiches — or I could cook properly? B: Don't go to any trouble — a sandwich is perfect.

A：我做点三明治——还是正经做顿饭？ B：别麻烦了——三明治就特别好。

What you could say back

“It's no trouble at all.”

Related phrases

If it's not too much trouble I couldn't possibly

Go deeper

British Politeness Explained: Why "Interesting" Means "No"

All Politeness Decoder

Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake