Word info

take no for an answer

Verb

Meaning

take no for an answer (third-person singular simple present takes no for an answer, present participle taking no for an answer, simple past took no for an answer, past participle taken no for an answer)

(idiomatic, chiefly in the negative) To accept a disappointing response.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

My mother always said to me, 'You're going to have to work harder and have to be better, and you can't take no for an answer. Halle Berry

I refused to take no for an answer. Bessie Coleman

If you really think you have something good, you can't take no for an answer. You've got to get in there and ignore the people who say no. Billy Eichner

Because actually it's really hard to get things made. It takes years. To fight the fights you inevitably have to fight, even when you've produced Harry Potter, you'd better have the commitment and the passion to knock down walls, not take no for an answer. David Heyman

My philosophy is, don't take no for an answer and be willing to sacrifice your entire project for freedom. Tim Robbins

You can get digital technology that almost is film quality, and go make little films and do everything you can to find a little understanding of your own voice and it will grow - Don't take no for an answer - Take every opportunity you can to do something. Jon Voight

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