Grammar fix
don't give me that
reject an excuse
Used to say firmly that you do not believe someone's excuse or claim.
expression
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Don't give me that excuse — you had plenty of time to call.
My little brother always says he's too busy to help with the washing-up, and I'm like, 'Don't give me that, you've been on your PlayStation all evening.'
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Don't lie me. You were online all evening.
Say: Don't give me that. You were online all evening.
'Lie' needs 'to' ('don't lie to me'), and to brush off an excuse natives usually say 'Don't give me that'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Tell someone you don't believe them
How confrontationalExasperated reactionDirect rejection
give me a breakInformally show you find a claim ridiculous or unconvincing.come off itEspecially British: tell someone to stop making an unbelievable claim.
don't give me thatYou're here · Firmly reject an excuse or claim you do not believe.