Said when declining an offer while hoping it will be repeated
Literal Meaning
I → First-person pronoun; don't → do not; want → desire; to → preposition; impose → force upon.
Actual Meaning
I actually want something but am being polite - hoping you'll insist
Examples in Context
Guest: 'I don't want to impose...' (Translation: Please insist - I'd like to accept)
Helpful Tips
1Usually want you to insist
2Offer again to show sincerity
3If they still decline after insistence, respect it
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
I don't want to intrude
I'm just being polite
I'd rather not trouble you
I don't want to be a burden
Related Phrases
Click to explore related phrases in our collection
Asking for a friend
It is what it is
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