15 Other Ways to Say "Don't Get Me Started"

What Does Don’t Get Me Started Mean? 'Don't get me started' is an expression used to warn against provoking intense feelings that will cause the speaker to launch into an enthusiastic discussion or rant about something.It shows that the person has a lot to say about the issue and may have very strong feelings and opinions on the topic.Those who say 'Don't get me started' are usually trying to avoid delving into a long, potentially heated discussion. It implies that bringing up the subject will trigger emotions that they do not want to unleash.So, it functions as a plea not to provoke a discussion that would be hard to end or control.

When someone says 'Don't get me started in response to a topic or idea, they are signaling:

• I have a lot more to say on this subject than I care to discuss right now. My opinions run deep, so this could become a protracted discussion.
• I feel strongly about this topic and have many complaints, criticisms, or frustrations that I could expound upon at length.
• Talking about this issue would risk igniting my passions and provoking me into going on and on with a potentially contentious line of argument.
• Discussing this further is probably best avoided, so let's change the subject.

So while 'don't get me started' suggests enthusiasm for a topic, it also hints at the potential downsides of having an extensive debate - it may exhaust listeners, become repetitive or overly negative in tone, and possibly damage relationships.Saying this phrase serves as a warning to steer clear of igniting volatile passions.

15 "Don’t Get Me Started" Alternatives 

If you find yourself repeatedly using the phrase 'don't get me started' when friends and coworkers broach topics that ignite your passions, it may be time to expand your vocabulary with a variety of alternative sayings.Here are 15 witty and creative ways to convey that you have more to share on a subject than you care to discuss at the moment, without sounding repetitive or cliche.

• Let's change the subject.
• That's an interesting topic, but I'd rather not discuss it further.
• Why don't we move our conversation in a more positive direction?
• I understand your perspective, however, I'd prefer to discuss something more uplifting.
• Forgive me for being frank, but I'd rather talk about something more enjoyable.
• I appreciate your thoughts, however, I don't think further discussion will be productive.
• Speaking of which, have you tried _______? (Change topic)
• Let's agree to disagree and talk about something more lighthearted.
• That subject tends to get others riled up, so how about we discuss _____ instead?
• Why don't we change the conversation to something more heartwarming?
• If I kept talking about that, it would likely ruin the mood. How about we talk about _____?
• You make a valid point, but that topic can be divisive. Shall we discuss something more cheerful?
• Actually, I'd prefer we steer our conversation in a more positive direction.
• While an interesting topic, debating that further may cause friction between us. Let's discuss something we both enjoy instead.
• I hear what you're saying, but that subject can be inflammatory. Why don't we talk about ____ instead?

1. Let's change the subject 

'Let's not go there' is a phrase that can be used as an alternative to saying 'Don't get me started'. This phrase is a polite way of expressing that you would rather not discuss a particular topic any further.For example, if a friend were to start talking about a political issue that you don't agree with, you could respond with 'Let's not go there'. This would be a way of expressing that you would rather not continue the conversation.Additionally, it could also be used as a way of expressing that you don't want to get into an argument and that it would be best to simply change the subject.

2. That's an interesting topic, but I'd rather not discuss it further 

'That's an interesting topic, but I'd rather not discuss it further' is a great ‘don’t get me started’ alternative and a diplomatic way of indicating that you're not interested in continuing a conversation on a particular subject.This phrase can be used in situations where you want to acknowledge the other person's perspective while also making it clear that you don't want to delve any deeper into the topic at hand.For example, you're at a work meeting and someone brings up a project idea that you don't think is feasible. You could say, 'That's an interesting topic, but I'd rather not discuss it further. Let's focus on brainstorming other ideas for the project.'

3. Why don't we move our conversation in a more positive direction?

'Why don't we move our conversation in a more positive direction?' is also an alternative to ‘Don't get me started’ which is best used as an optimistic way of suggesting that you want to change the tone of the conversation.This phrase can be used in situations where the conversation has taken a negative turn, and you want to steer it towards more positive topics.For example,  you're out to dinner with friends and someone starts complaining about their job. You could say, 'Why don't we move our conversation in a more positive direction? Has anyone been on any fun trips lately?'

4. I understand your perspective, however, I'd prefer to discuss something more uplifting

'I understand your perspective, however, I'd prefer to discuss something more uplifting' can be used instead of ‘don’t get me started’ in certain situations.It is a tactful way of acknowledging someone's point of view while also indicating that you want to change the subject.This phrase can be used in situations where you disagree with someone's opinion, but don't want to get into a heated debate about it.For example,  you're at a party and someone starts talking about a controversial topic. You could say, 'I understand your perspective, however, I'd prefer to discuss something more uplifting. Have you seen any good movies lately?'

5. Forgive me for being frank, but I'd rather talk about something more enjoyable

'Forgive me for being frank, but I'd rather talk about something more enjoyable.' phrase is a polite yet firm way to change the subject without offending the other person which is the basic aim of ‘don’t get me started’.It acknowledges the previous topic but also communicates a desire to move on to something more pleasant.For example,  you and your friend are discussing a recent political controversy, and your friend is getting heated. You could say, 'Forgive me for being frank, but I'd rather talk about something more enjoyable. Have you seen any good movies lately?'.

6. I appreciate your thoughts, however, I don't think further discussion will be productive

'I appreciate your thoughts, however, I don't think the further discussion will be productive.' is a diplomatic alternative to ‘Don't get me started’ which is best used to end a debate or disagreement.It shows that you value the other person's opinion but also implies that continuing the conversation would not be beneficial.For instance, suppose you and your coworker are discussing a project, and you have different ideas on how to approach it. You could say, 'I appreciate your thoughts, however, I don't think further discussion will be productive.Let's table this for now and revisit it later when we have more information.' It highlights your coworker's input while also suggesting a more productive way to proceed.

7. Speaking of which, have you tried _______? (Change topic)

'Speaking of which, have you tried _______?' is a great alternative to ‘don’t get me started’ which can be excellently used to redirect the conversation to a new topic without seeming abrupt or rude.It uses a transition that links the previous topic to the new one, making the change seem natural.For example,  you and your friend are discussing a recent breakup, and your friend is feeling down. You could say, 'Speaking of which, have you tried that new restaurant downtown? I heard they have amazing sushi.'

8. Let's agree to disagree and talk about something more lighthearted

Let's agree to disagree and talk about something more lighthearted. This phrase is an excellent alternative to saying, 'Don't get me started' because it helps to diffuse tension and allows the conversation to move in a different direction.It acknowledges that the topic at hand may be misunderstood and that there is a disagreement, but it also suggests that it is best to move on and talk about something else.Example Conversation:Person A: 'I can't believe how much money people spend on designer clothes. It's such a waste.'Person B: 'I see your point, but I think fashion is an important form of self-expression. Let's agree to disagree and talk about something more lighthearted. Have you seen any good movies lately?'

9. That subject tends to get others riled up, so how about we discuss _____ instead? 

That subject tends to get others riled up, so how about we discuss _____ instead? Is a great alternative to ‘don’t get me started’ because it is a great way to avoid a heated argument or a discussion that may lead to hurt feelings.It admits to the sensitivity of the topic which can evoke intense emotions in people, and also offers a way out by suggesting a different subject to discuss.Example Conversation:Person A: 'I can't believe how many people are anti-vaccine. It's so selfish.'Person B: 'That subject tends to get others riled up, so how about we discuss something else instead? How has school been?'

10. Why don't we change the conversation to something more heartwarming? 

You and your friend are discussing a heated topic, and the conversation is starting to get tense. You want to steer the conversation toward something more positive, and that's where 'Why don't we change the conversation to something more heartwarming?' comes in handy as a great alternative to ‘Don’t get me started’.This phrase is perfect for situations where you want to switch the topic without coming off as dismissive or rude. It's a polite way of saying that you value the relationship and want to maintain a positive atmosphere.For example, let's say you and your friend are discussing politics, and the conversation is starting to get heated. You could say, 'Why don't we change the conversation to something more heartwarming?

11. If I kept talking about that, it would likely ruin the mood. How about we talk about _____? 

When you don't want to sound negative or dismissive, 'If I kept talking about that, it would likely ruin the mood. How about we talk about _____?' is a perfect phrase to use as an alternative to ‘Don’t get me started’. This phrase is a polite way of saying that you don't want to dampen the mood by continuing to talk about a particular topic.For instance, suppose you and your friend are discussing a recent breakup or a sad event. In that case, you could say, 'If I kept talking about that, it would likely ruin the mood. How about we talk about something fun like your upcoming vacation?'

12. You make a valid point, but that topic can be divisive. Shall we discuss something more cheerful? 

Sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where the conversation is getting too heated or divisive. In such cases, 'You make a valid point, but that topic can be divisive.Shall we discuss something more cheerful?' is an excellent phrase to use as an alternative to ‘Don’t get me started’ and to steer the conversation toward something less controversial.For example, let's say you and your friend are discussing a sensitive topic like religion, and the conversation is starting to get heated. You could say, 'You make a valid point, but that topic can be divisive. Shall we discuss something more cheerful, like the new restaurant that just opened downtown?'

13. Actually, I'd prefer we steer our conversation in a more positive direction 

'Actually, I'd prefer we steer our conversation in a more positive direction.' like the rest of the other alternatives, is a polite alternative to 'don't get me started' because it shifts the conversation away from negativity and towards a more positive outlook. It's a great way to redirect a conversation that may be heading toward a negative topic.For example,  you're talking with a friend who starts complaining about their job, and you don't want the conversation to devolve into a gripe session.You could say, 'Actually, I'd prefer we steer our conversation in a more positive direction. How about we talk about your upcoming vacation instead?'

14. While an interesting topic, debating that further may cause friction between us. Let's discuss something we both enjoy instead 

'While an interesting topic, debating that further may cause friction between us. Let's discuss something we both enjoy instead.' is a good alternative to 'Don't get me started' because it validates the other person's point of view while also expressing a desire to avoid conflict. It's a great way to de-escalate a conversation that may be becoming heated.For example,  you're talking with a family member who holds a different political view from you, and the conversation is becoming tense.You could say, 'While an interesting topic, debating that further may cause friction between us. Let's discuss something we both enjoy instead, like our favorite TV show.

15. I hear what you're saying, but that subject can be inflammatory. Why don't we talk about ____ instead?

'I hear what you're saying, but that subject can be inflammatory. Why don't we talk about ____ instead?' is a perfect alternative to 'Don't get me started' which shows that you're actively listening to the other person’s input and not dismissing it outright while avoiding discussing sensitive or controversial topics that could potentially offend someone.Using this phrase also allows you to avoid getting caught up in unnecessary debates or arguments.For example,  you're talking with a co-worker about a recent news story that has strong opinions on both sides.You could say, 'I hear what you're saying, but that subject can be inflammatory. Why don't we talk about the new project we're working on instead?

Wrap Up

And there you have it - 15 alternative ways to express the sentiment 'Don't get me started.' Whether you want to gently steer a conversation in a new direction or firmly shut down an unpleasant topic, this list provides a variety of options.Some allow you to diplomatically move on, while others offer a more direct approach.When using any of these phrases, be mindful of your tone and intention. The goal is to avoid an undesirable conversation, not to offend or start an argument. A lighthearted or humorous delivery can help soften the impact.The next time you find yourself tempted to say 'Don't get me started,' try substituting one of these alternatives instead.Varying your language keeps conversations fresh and interesting. Just be sure to do so respectfully, without escalating any tensions.So go forth and hold engaging, productive dialogues, thanks for reading.