Sorry, I think I was next
Neutral Polite
What it really means
The polite but firm way to defend your place when someone pushes ahead of you in a queue or at a counter. Queue order matters deeply in Britain, and bystanders will usually support you.
Chinese explanation
有人在队伍或柜台前抢在你前面时，礼貌而坚定地维护自己位置的说法。排队顺序在英国是大事，旁人通常会站在你这边。
Example conversation
A: Sorry, I think I was next.
B: Oh — apologies, I didn't see you there. After you.
A：不好意思，应该是轮到我了。
B：哦——抱歉，我没看到您。您先请。
All Politeness Decoder
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake