Don't go there

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• warn or prevent someone from discussing a particular topic
  To advise against bringing up a certain subject or issue, usually because it may lead to conflict or tension in a conversation or relationship.

• express disapproval
  To show disapproval or disappointment towards someone or something, often used as a subtle way of expressing disagreement or dissatisfaction.

Examples of Don't go there

• "I heard that he stole money from the company's account. Don't go there with your accusations, we don't have any proof."

  This means, don't jump to conclusions and accuse someone without having any solid evidence.

• "I saw him flirting with my girlfriend yesterday. Don't go there with your jealousy, I know she's faithful."

  This means, don't get too worked up about something that may not be true or important.

• "Let's not go there with our arguments. We both know it's not worth the hassle."

  This means, let's not bring up a topic that is likely to lead to an argument or disagreement.

• "I don't want to hear any more criticism about my performance. Don't go there, it's not constructive feedback."

  This means, don't offer negative feedback in a critical or harsh manner, as it's unlikely to be helpful or productive.

• You're treading on thin ice, and I advise you not to go there.

  This example implies that the person you're talking to is doing something risky or sensitive and warning him or her not to proceed further with it.

• I heard that story from a reliable source, but I don't want to go there with you.

  This example indicates that while the speaker acknowledges the truthfulness of the story, he or she doesn't want to explore or pry into it further.

• I know that we've had our disagreements in the past, but I'd like to put it behind us and not go there again.

  This example emphasizes that the speaker is willing to move forward from past conflicts and avoid resurfacing or discussing them again.

• My boss has been acting strange lately, but I don't want to go there and cause a scene.

  This example shows that the speaker is aware of some unexplained behavior from their superior but chooses to remain silent about it to avoid disrupting the work environment.

Conclusion

The idiom "don't go there" is often used as a warning or cautionary phrase to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task. It can also be used as a way to prevent or warn against discussing a sensitive topic that may lead to conflict or tension. Additionally, it can be used to express disapproval or disappointment towards someone or something.

In all of these meanings, the underlying intention is to discourage or prevent something from happening, whether it be a negative outcome or a potentially uncomfortable situation. The phrase is often used as a subtle way to advise or warn against something without directly stating it.

Origin of "Don't go there"

The origin of the idiom "don't go there" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 20th century. It is thought to have been derived from the phrase "don't even go there," which was used as a warning to avoid a certain topic or situation.

Some speculate that the phrase may have originated in American slang, specifically in hip-hop culture, where it was used as a way to dismiss or reject something. Others believe it may have originated from the phrase "don't even think about it," which has a similar meaning of discouraging or preventing something from happening.

Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has become a commonly used phrase in modern English, often used in informal and casual conversations. It has also been popularized in popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music.