"If it's a maybe...it's a NO"
- Thread starter Jace
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hollydolly
SF VIP
- Location
- London England
NO not necessarily...for me it's a Maybe , until I hear more information, before I can make my mind up...and give a definitive answer
CallMeKate
Well-known Member
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic US
I'd add the word "often" in there, because it's not always a no. Now when you tell a kid "I'll think about it," it's usually a no. 
But a "maybe" could be just that. I never give a yes to anything unless I'm completely sure I won't regret it. 
But a "maybe" could be just that. I never give a yes to anything unless I'm completely sure I won't regret it. 
bobcat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern Calif
Well, perhaps maybe is a no, but I'm not sure, I'll think about it, we'll see. But as of now, it's uncertain.
Nathan
SF VIP
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- High Desert- Calif.
StarSong
Awkward is my Superpower
- Location
- Los Angeles Suburbs
When I say maybe, it means possibly yes, possibly no. Need more data, have to check my calendar, if it's a couples thing I'd want to bounce it off my husband, or I just want to mull it over before giving an answer.
Alligatorob
SF VIP
I think some people say maybe rather than no, so sometimes. And sometimes when a rapid decision is required any diversion can be an effective no.
On the other hand when I say maybe, I usually mean it. Maybe I do anyway.
Have a friend who always says "not now" when he means no. Once you get used to it, no big deal.
Naturally
Well-known Member
- Location
- Corner of Walk 'n Don't Walk
There will never be a maybe someday. Otherwise, maybe
I would agree that for actions based on very important risks, that 'if it's a maybe...it's a NO'. Such as, that rickety path over the chasm 'maybe' can hold your weight - then that is a NO I am not walking on it. Or, 'maybe' poison is in that drink, then NO I'm not drinking it. 'Maybe' a carbon-fiber hull can't handle Titanic water depth pressure, then NO people should not go down in the submersible.
Lethe200
Senior Member
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area
Much depends on the culture, as well. In Japan, it's polite to agree with a statement even if privately you disagree.
I feel in the US, "maybe" is often a "no", but not always. Sometimes it simply means, "I don't feel I have enough information to make a decision, one way or another."
I feel in the US, "maybe" is often a "no", but not always. Sometimes it simply means, "I don't feel I have enough information to make a decision, one way or another."
Alligatorob
SF VIP
True.
I used to work with a Greek who spoke little English. Whenever he didn't understand he would say "yes of course" in a deep authoritative voice. Worked for him surprisingly well.
palides2021
Well-known Member
- Location
- MidAtlantic, USA
It depends on the person and the context. So, I don't think "maybe" always means a "no." It depends on several factors. Does the person need more time to think it through, or to get more facts? Is that person unwilling to share their ideas or secrets?
bobcat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern Calif
Heard a statement...that is questionable & for discussion...
Well to use the infamous quote of mr. Bill Clinton, "It depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is.
Kaila
SF VIP
I agree with this reply; I am very often a Maybe, first, until I have lots of details, which might very well turn out to move me into a Yes.
I don't like to say Yes, without being certain. Even a Probably, is heard and remembered by others, as a Yes, so I stick with Maybe, as a ready response, a lot of the time.
Though Maybe is definitely not a Yes.
So it often should be taken as a ' No, for now!'
by any listener.
Kaila
SF VIP
Those are some good specific examples that I agree with!
And they reminded me of when we ask a doctor, Will this hurt?
And if they answer, "Maybe"
then, what do you think?
Will it????
Been There
Well-known Member
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- Florida
I liked Jim Varney. He once did a āfreeā comedy show at the VA in Bethesda (Walter Reed) for returning seriously injured Vietnam War veterans. I wanāt there, but a lot of the older men that were said Jim had them in stitches all day. I think he was discovered by accident.
bobcat
Well-known Member
- Location
- Northern Calif
I heard a woman once say she was going to take a shower and wash "possible" and "impossible". I never asked what that meant, but it was funny nonetheless.