Have you ever been caught off guard by a question you didn’t want to answer? Maybe someone asked about your salary, a personal goal, or even your weekend plans—and you just weren’t ready to share. That’s where phrases for avoiding answering a question come in handy.
These clever and polite responses help you steer the conversation away from topics you’d rather skip without sounding rude or evasive.
If you’re talking to a coworker, friend, or stranger, knowing how to dodge a question gracefully is a social skill worth mastering.
In this post, we’ll explore powerful and practical phrases for avoiding answering a question, explain when to use them, and show how they can save you from awkward or tricky situations.
Why It Matters 💡
In everyday life, people ask all kinds of questions—some friendly, others too personal or even intrusive. Knowing phrases for avoiding answering a question helps you maintain privacy, control conversations, and set healthy boundaries.
For example:
- A coworker might ask, “So, how much did you make on that project?”
- A family member might say, “When are you getting married?”
- Or a friend could casually ask, “What’s your political view?”
In such moments, you can respond smartly instead of freezing or giving too much away.
Mastering phrases for avoiding answering a question helps in:
- Professional settings (keeping confidential info private)
- Social situations (staying polite while avoiding oversharing)
- Personal conversations (protecting your emotional comfort)
Now let’s explore how to do it naturally—without sounding defensive or awkward!
Types of Phrases for Avoiding Answering a Question
Below are the main categories of phrases you can use depending on the situation and your intent.
1. Polite Deflection Phrases 😊
Sometimes you just want to keep things friendly while moving away from the question. These phrases for avoiding answering a question sound kind, respectful, and natural.
1.1 “That’s a good question, but I’m not sure right now.”
Explanation: This phrase acknowledges the question politely but doesn’t give a direct answer.
Use When: Someone asks for your opinion or decision that you’re not ready to share.
Example: “That’s a good question, but I’m not sure right now. Let’s talk about it later.”
1.2 “I’ll have to think about that.”
Explanation: Shows thoughtfulness while buying time.
Use When: You want to delay giving an answer without refusing directly.
Example: “I’ll have to think about that and get back to you.”
1.3 “Let’s focus on something else for now.”
Explanation: Smoothly redirects the conversation.
Use When: You want to steer attention to a new topic.
Example: “Let’s focus on something else for now—it’s been a long day!”
1.4 “I’d rather not get into that right now.”
Explanation: Direct but polite boundary.
Use When: You’re comfortable setting clear limits.
Example: “I’d rather not get into that right now, if that’s okay.”
2. Humor-Based Evasions 😄
Using humor is one of the smartest ways to avoid answering a question without offending anyone.
2.1 “If I told you, I’d have to disappear!”
Explanation: Lighthearted joke that signals privacy.
Use When: Someone asks something secretive or sensitive.
Example: “If I told you, I’d have to disappear! It’s classified information.”
2.2 “You’re trying to get me in trouble, aren’t you?”
Explanation: Playfully accuses the asker while changing tone.
Use When: Friends or coworkers ask a tricky question.
Example: “You’re trying to get me in trouble, aren’t you? Nice try!”
2.3 “That’s above my pay grade!”
Explanation: Classic funny line for deflecting a serious or complex question.
Use When: Someone asks something you can’t or don’t want to answer.
Example: “That’s above my pay grade—ask the boss!”
2.4 “I could tell you, but then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.”
Explanation: Keeps things fun while dodging.
Use When: People ask personal or confidential questions.
Example: “I could tell you, but then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.”
3. Redirecting the Conversation 🔄
These phrases for avoiding answering a question shift the focus onto another topic—or even back to the asker!
3.1 “That’s interesting—what do you think about it?”
Explanation: You respond by turning the question around.
Use When: You want to keep the conversation flowing but not answer.
Example: “That’s interesting—what do you think about it?”
3.2 “Before I answer, I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
Explanation: Sounds engaged while subtly avoiding.
Use When: In discussions, debates, or meetings.
Example: “Before I answer, I’d love to hear your thoughts first.”
3.3 “That reminds me of something else…”
Explanation: Smooth transition to a different topic.
Use When: You want to change the direction naturally.
Example: “That reminds me of something else I wanted to share.”
3.4 “Speaking of that, did you hear about…?”
Explanation: Redirects smoothly while keeping energy up.
Use When: You’re in a light or casual conversation.
Example: “Speaking of that, did you hear about the new restaurant downtown?”
4. Professional Evasion Phrases 💼
In the workplace, you may face questions you can’t legally or ethically answer. These phrases for avoiding answering a question maintain professionalism and protect confidentiality.
4.1 “I’m not the right person to answer that.”
Explanation: Politely redirects to someone else.
Use When: You’re asked something outside your responsibility.
Example: “I’m not the right person to answer that—let me connect you with HR.”
4.2 “That information is confidential.”
Explanation: A firm yet respectful refusal.
Use When: Discussing sensitive data or projects.
Example: “I’m afraid that information is confidential, but I appreciate your interest.”
4.3 “I can’t comment on that right now.”
Explanation: Useful when under review or in media situations.
Use When: You’re not authorized to share details.
Example: “I can’t comment on that right now, but we’ll release updates soon.”
4.4 “Let’s wait until we have all the facts.”
Explanation: Shows caution and responsibility.
Use When: You want to sound professional while buying time.
Example: “Let’s wait until we have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.”
5. Personal Boundary Phrases ❤️
Sometimes you simply don’t want to share. These phrases for avoiding answering a question help protect your emotional space while sounding kind.
5.1 “That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?”
Explanation: Lightly sets a boundary with a hint of humor.
Use When: Someone crosses a personal line.
Example: “That’s a bit personal, don’t you think?”
5.2 “I’m not comfortable discussing that.”
Explanation: Clear and assertive.
Use When: You need to protect your privacy.
Example: “I’m not comfortable discussing that right now.”
5.3 “I prefer to keep that private.”
Explanation: Polite and non-confrontational.
Use When: You’re being asked about family, money, or beliefs.
Example: “I prefer to keep that private, if you don’t mind.”
5.4 “Let’s talk about something more fun!”
Explanation: Switches tone from serious to upbeat.
Use When: You want to avoid tension.
Example: “Let’s talk about something more fun! Did you see that new movie?”
6. Political or Media Evasion Phrases 🎤
Public figures and leaders often use phrases for avoiding answering a question skillfully. These help redirect focus or control the message.
6.1 “What really matters here is…”
Explanation: Redirects attention to the speaker’s chosen topic.
Use When: You want to reframe the conversation.
Example: “What really matters here is improving the system for everyone.”
6.2 “That’s one way to look at it.”
Explanation: Neutral response that avoids commitment.
Use When: You want to sound diplomatic.
Example: “That’s one way to look at it, but there are other perspectives too.”
6.3 “Let’s not speculate.”
Explanation: Stops the conversation from veering into rumors.
Use When: The question is hypothetical or gossipy.
Example: “Let’s not speculate until we have verified information.”
6.4 “I think we should stay focused on the main issue.”
Explanation: Reestablishes control of the discussion.
Use When: Dealing with reporters or tricky meetings.
Example: “I think we should stay focused on the main issue at hand.”
7. Delay or Buy-Time Phrases ⏳
Sometimes you just need a few moments—or days—to think before answering. These phrases for avoiding answering a question are perfect for buying time.
7.1 “Let me get back to you on that.”
Explanation: Keeps you polite while postponing.
Use When: You truly need time to prepare a response.
Example: “Let me get back to you on that after checking the details.”
7.2 “That’s something I’ll need to review.”
Explanation: Sounds professional and thoughtful.
Use When: You need to gather more info.
Example: “That’s something I’ll need to review before giving a full answer.”
7.3 “I don’t have enough information to answer that right now.”
Explanation: Honest and practical deflection.
Use When: You’re unsure or unprepared.
Example: “I don’t have enough information to answer that right now.”
7.4 “Can we circle back to that later?”
Explanation: Common business phrase for delaying.
Use When: You plan to revisit the question.
Example: “Can we circle back to that later this week?”
8. Subtle Conversation Steerers 🧭
These phrases for avoiding answering a question let you guide the conversation without anyone noticing.
8.1 “Oh, that reminds me…”
Explanation: Smoothly transitions to another topic.
Use When: You want to change subjects casually.
Example: “Oh, that reminds me—I need to tell you about something exciting!”
8.2 “I haven’t really thought about that, but…”
Explanation: Appears open but avoids commitment.
Use When: You want to sound engaged without answering.
Example: “I haven’t really thought about that, but it’s an interesting point.”
8.3 “That’s not really my area, but I can tell you this…”
Explanation: Gives partial information to redirect.
Use When: You want to sound informative without full disclosure.
Example: “That’s not really my area, but I can tell you this much—it’s evolving fast.”
8.4 “I’d rather hear what you’ve been up to.”
Explanation: Shifts focus kindly back to the asker.
Use When: You want to move attention away from yourself.
Example: “I’d rather hear what you’ve been up to lately!”
Final Thoughts 💬
Learning phrases for avoiding answering a question is like learning social judo—it’s not about confrontation but redirection.
You’re not lying or being rude; you’re simply protecting your boundaries, time, and privacy.
The key is to choose the right tone:
- Use humor with friends.
- Use professionalism at work.
- Use firmness when people cross personal lines.
Next time someone asks something uncomfortable, don’t freeze. Just smile, stay calm, and choose a phrase that fits the moment. With practice, you’ll handle awkward questions with confidence and grace.
Bonus Recap Table 🗂️
| Category | Example Phrase | Use When | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polite Deflection | “I’d rather not get into that right now.” | Casual or polite refusal | Neutral |
| Humor-Based | “If I told you, I’d have to disappear!” | Light conversation | Playful |
| Redirecting | “What do you think about it?” | Group or casual talk | Engaged |
| Professional | “That information is confidential.” | Work, meetings | Formal |
| Personal Boundaries | “I prefer to keep that private.” | Sensitive or intrusive questions | Respectful |
| Political/Media | “Let’s stay focused on the main issue.” | Public or debate | Strategic |
| Delay | “Let me get back to you on that.” | Work, analysis | Professional |
| Subtle Steerers | “Oh, that reminds me…” | Friendly chats | Smooth & natural |
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