If you’ve clicked on this article, chances are you’re hunting for the right phrase to tell someone “none of your business” — but in a way that works, doesn’t sound too harsh or awkward, and fits everyday conversation. Good news: your problem ends here. Below you’ll find seven trending categories of alternatives — each with 30 fresh ways to set boundaries, stay polite (or direct, if you must), and keep your conversations comfortable.
Polite and Gentle Alternatives
- I’d rather keep that private
- Thanks for asking, but I’ll handle it
- I appreciate your concern, but I’ve got this
- I’m sorry, but I prefer not to discuss that
- I’d rather not talk about this right now
- That’s a personal matter I’d like to handle myself
- I value my privacy on that
- I’ll get back to you when appropriate
- Let’s focus on something else for now
- I don’t feel comfortable discussing that
- I’m still working on that myself
- I’ll tell you when it’s time
- I prefer to keep this between me and me
- Thanks, but I’m okay
- I’m not ready to share that yet
- That’s a bit too personal at the moment
- I’ll share later if I decide to
- I’m not discussing that today
- I’ll think about it and let you know
- I’d rather skip that question
- Thank you for understanding
- I’ll handle it, no need to worry
- That’s on me right now
- I’d prefer to keep some things private
- I’m fine with keeping that between us
- Let’s leave that for another time
- I don’t want to talk about that
- I can’t go into that right now
- Let’s move on to something else
- I’ll share when I feel comfortable
Friendly, Casual Ways to Say It
- Not for public consumption
- That’s my thing
- I’m doing my own thing, thanks
- That’s just me, let’s drop it
- I’ve got it covered
- Been there, doing that
- That’s on my own schedule
- I’ll get to it when I’m ready
- I’m working on it privately
- That’s part of my story, not yours
- Let’s keep it between me and my thoughts
- I’m fine, really
- All good here
- Doing my thing, thanks
- That topic’s closed for now
- Let’s talk about something lighter
- I’ll share when I’m good and ready
- That’s locked for now
- I’ve got my own lane
- That’s my business, not yours
- Taking care of it
- I’ll let you know when I’m set
- No comment for today
- That’s just not open for discussion
- I’ll pass on that question
- Let’s switch gears
- I’ll handle the details later
- That’s off the record
- I’m keeping that under wraps
- That’s personal, not public
Direct and Firm Responses
- That’s none of your concern
- Please respect my privacy
- I’m not discussing this
- I’ll handle it myself
- That’s not for you to know
- I prefer you stay out of it
- That issue is off-limits
- I’m not sharing that
- That’s a private matter
- Let’s drop this topic
- This is not open for discussion
- I’d rather you not ask
- I’m going to pass on that
- That’s off the table
- This is between me and me
- I’m setting a boundary here
- I’m not comfortable with that question
- That’s under control without your help
- I’ll deal with that in my own way
- That’s confidential
- I’m not giving out that information
- That’s my decision
- Please don’t push me on this
- Let’s leave that alone
- I am done discussing this
- That’s handled, thanks
- Kindly divert your attention elsewhere
- I’ll address it when I choose
- That’s purely my business
- I’m keeping that private
Witty and Light-Hearted Phrases
- Mind the gap — mine’s the private one
- That’s behind the curtain
- On a need-to-know basis — and you don’t need to
- That’s top-secret (for now)
- Sorry, project classified
- My lips are sealed
- My story, my script
- That’s in the vault
- I’ll release that later… maybe
- That’s a closed chapter
- Not ready for public viewing
- Picture that as “for your eyes only”
- That’s the spoiler alert I’m not giving
- That’s a limited edition—private
- Keep calm and move on
- That’s locked behind the door
- I’ll show you when the time is right
- Hold that thought — next topic
- I’m giving you the short version: hands off
- That’s for my eyes and mine alone
- Consider that a private side mission
- That’s under “do not disturb” mode
- That’s my little secret
- That’s an exclusive—no entry
- I’ll save that story for later
- That’s one chapter I’m holding back
- Consider it “in draft” only
- I’m keeping that memo private
- That’s the end-of-line on that
- I’ll upload that later
Professional and Workplace-Appropriate Responses
- I appreciate your interest; I’ll handle it internally
- Thanks for offering, but I’m on top of this
- I believe this falls under my responsibility
- Let’s each focus on our roles
- I’ll reach out if I need input
- That matter is within my scope currently
- I’ve got this covered, thank you
- Let’s remain aligned with our priorities
- I’m managing this project independently
- This is my area of oversight
- I’ll keep you informed when appropriate
- That’s scheduled to be handled by me
- This is confidential at present
- Let’s keep our tasks distinct
- Thanks; I’ll update when needed
- That’s on the agenda for me
- I’d prefer to focus on the deliverable now
- This topic is restricted to internal review
- I’ll take it from here
- That’s under my purview
- I’ll notify you if things change
- This remains private for now
- Please channel queries via appropriate line
- I’ll get back when there’s a relevant update
- That’s not part of the current discussion
- Let’s keep this professional and focused
- This is on the action list for me
- I’ll thank you again, but I’m handling it
- Let’s stay within scope
- I’ll provide a summary at the right time
- That requires internal clearance
Family-Friendly and Mild Phrases
- That’s a little personal
- I’m not sure I’m ready to share that
- Maybe later, but not now
- Let’s talk about your day instead
- I’ll keep you posted when I’m ready
- That’s my quiet time topic
- I’m keeping that under wraps for now
- Thank you for caring, but I’ll wait
- That’s between me and someone else
- I need to think on that
- Let’s leave that question unanswered
- I’m protecting that piece for myself
- That’s in the “not for now” box
- I’ll tell you when the moment is right
- That’s not on the table today
- I’ll share when I feel okay
- Let’s avoid that for now
- I’m still figuring that out
- I’d like to keep that private for now
- We’ll revisit this some other time
- I’m choosing to stay quiet on that
- That’s closed for questions
- I want to keep this for me
- Let’s change the subject
- That’s mine, thanks
- I’m working on that in silence
- I’ll share when I’m ready
- I’m not disclosing that just yet
- That’s off the guest list
- I’ll bring it up later
- I’m still sorting that out
Stronger Boundaries and No-Nonsense Phrases
- Stop prying; that’s none of your business
- Your curiosity is noted but unwelcome here
- I will not answer that
- That question is off-limits
- Please don’t ask me that again
- That’s a line you shouldn’t cross
- I need you to respect my boundary
- You don’t need to know this
- I’m setting this aside from discussion
- Let’s not go there
- I won’t tolerate that question
- That topic is locked
- I’m done discussing this with you
- That’s my matter, not yours
- This ends the conversation
- No further input required
- I’ve got nothing to say to that
- That’s none of your concern
- Don’t make this about you
- That ends your part in this
- I’m not engaging on that
- That’s behind closed doors
- I will not be answering
- This is private and final
- Move on, please
- I’m not entertaining that line of inquiry
- That’s not open for debate
- Consider your question closed
- My mind, my business
- I’m walking away from this
