wont

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(I) won't tell a soul

I won't reveal some confidential information to a single other person. A: "I heard Greg is getting fired, but I don't think even he knows yet." B: "Don't worry, I won't tell a soul." I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to pry! I won't tell a soul! I won't tell a soul, I promise. Your secret is safe with me.

(one) won't give up without a fight

I am not going to yield submissively or easily. Well, I won't give up without a fight, so I hope she's ready to work her hardest to get this promotion—I know I will. I know Karen—she won't give up without a fight. Are you sure you want to challenge her in the election? I know I'm not as fast as he is, but, don't worry, I won't give up without a fight.

(one) won't hear of (something)

One is adamant that something will not happen; one refuses to allow something (to happen). A: "I'd like to pay for dinner to thank you for your generosity." B: "I won't hear of it, my boy! You are our guest." My mother won't hear of us going to an out-of-state college. I won't hear of you two living together before you're married, and that's that!

if the mountain will not come to Mohammed

proverb One must change one's actions accordingly if things do not proceed as one would like them to. A shortening of the phrase "If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain." You'll have to go woo investors if they won't come to you. If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain. A: "You want to reconcile with your sister, right?" B: "Yeah, but I don't want to make the first move." A: "Well, if the mountain will not come to Mohammed…." If this is something you really want, you're going to have to make more of an effort. Remember, if the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain.

See also: come, if, Mohammed, mountain, not, to, will

not wash

To not be accepted or believed. That kind of excuse may have worked in high school, but it doesn't wash with me. The deadline for the paper is tomorrow, no extensions. He may be able to skirt the issue in some regions, but that approach won't wash in these parts—these people want straight answers.

See also: not, wash

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