What to reply when you don't know the answer?

Asked by: Toni Grady  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (42 votes)

When you don't know the answer, stay calm, admit you don't know, and then pivot to how you'd find the answer, demonstrating problem-solving by saying something like, "That's a great question; I don't have that specific detail, but I'd find it by [researching/asking a colleague/looking at documentation]". Avoid making things up; instead, show honesty, a willingness to learn, and a practical approach to getting the correct information, following up if you promised to do so.

How do I answer if I don't know the answer?

When faced with a question you don't know the answer to, it's best to be honest. Simply say, ``I don't know,'' and show your willingness by adding, ``but I can find the answer.''

What to reply when you don't know what to reply?

When you don't know what to reply, stay calm and honest, use phrases like "That's a great question, let me think on that," or "I'm not sure, but I'd love to find out," and ask clarifying questions to buy time or steer the conversation. You can also acknowledge their feelings, reflect their words, or use a simple "I hear you" to show engagement while you formulate a thought, and remember it's okay to pause or gently change the subject.
 

How to reply to dry replies?

To respond to a dry text, try matching their brevity with a short, neutral reply (like "K" or an emoji), sending a playful, direct question to prompt more, suggesting a real-life meet-up to bypass texting, or, if it's persistent, gently calling out the distant tone and deciding if the effort is worth it. The key is to avoid mirroring their lack of effort with anxiety or long messages, and instead either elevate the interaction, put the ball in their court, or recognize when to disengage. 

What to say in court if you don't know the answer?

If you do not understand a question, it is alright to ask that the question be repeated or clarified. If you do not know an answer, say so. Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know.

What to do when you DON'T know the answer in an INTERVIEW

40 related questions found

How to professionally say you don't know the answer?

What to Say When You Don't Know the Answer

  1. 3 confident phrases to use when someone asks a question you can't answer.
  2. Try something like: ...
  3. “That's a great question.” ...
  4. “That's an important question, and I don't have the answer top of mind. ...
  5. “It's important to me that I get this right for you.”

How to impress the judges?

6 Tips to Make a Good First Impression in Court

  1. Know the judge.
  2. Be organized with your paperwork.
  3. Dress Appropriately.
  4. Stay calm in front of the jury.
  5. Keep eye contact with the jury.
  6. Don't be late to court.

What is the 3 day rule in texting?

The "3 day rule" in texting is a dating guideline suggesting you wait three days after getting a number or first date to initiate contact, aiming to appear less needy and gauge the other person's interest, though many modern daters find it outdated, preferring quicker contact or even texting on the same day to build momentum, as waiting too long risks losing connection in the fast-paced digital dating world.
 

How to respond to confusing text?

How to Reply to Awkward Texts: 11 Responses for Any Situation

  1. Laugh off the situation.
  2. Ask for clarification.
  3. Empathize with them.
  4. Thank them for what they had to say.
  5. Change the topic.
  6. Tell them how you feel directly.
  7. Send a polite rejection.
  8. Make an apology.

Is dry texting a red flag?

Dry texting can be a red flag indicating disinterest, emotional unavailability, or a sign of someone dealing with personal issues, but it's not always negative; it can also just mean someone prefers in-person connection, lacks texting energy, or has an avoidant attachment style, so communication is key to understand if it's a reflection of them or a lack of interest in you. A sudden change from engaged to dry is more concerning than if someone has always been a short texter. 

What are the three C's to difficult conversations?

The "3 Cs" for difficult conversations vary slightly by source but generally center on Clarity, Calmness/Control, and often Curiosity/Compassion or Courage/Commitment, focusing on being clear about the issue, managing emotions to stay composed, and understanding others' perspectives to find solutions. Common sets include Clarity, Control, Confidence, and Clarity, Curiosity, Calmness, emphasizing purpose, emotional regulation, and open-minded listening to navigate tough talks effectively. 

How to reply in a flirty way?

To respond flirtatiously, be playful, confident, and keep the conversation moving toward a real-life connection by using compliments, cheeky questions, or bold statements that show interest without being overly eager, like "You're trouble, huh? I like it," or "Better now that you texted," aiming to build anticipation for your next meeting.
 

What is the 21 question rule?

To play 21 Questions, one person thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the others ask up to 21 yes/no questions to guess it, winning if they guess within the limit or losing if they don't. Alternatively, it's a popular conversation game where two or more people ask each other personal questions to get to know each other better, often with pre-planned or freestyle questions, and can include rules for skipping questions.
 

What to reply when you don't know?

2. Don't fear saying you don't know.

  • That's not my area, but here's what I can tell you…
  • I don't have the complete answer to your question, but I do know that…
  • I don't have all the details now, but I'll make sure to respond by…
  • I don't know but I will find out…

How do you say no to an answer?

50 ways to nicely say "no"

  1. "Unfortunately, I have too much to do today. ...
  2. "I'm flattered by your offer, but no thank you."
  3. "That sounds fun, but I have a lot going on at home."
  4. "I'm not comfortable doing that task. ...
  5. "Now isn't a good time for me. ...
  6. " Sorry, I have already committed to something else.

How to be confident when you don't know the answer?

Ego Intensifies, Confidence Diffuses

You worry about making a mistake, the client worries about looking dumb in front of you. But when you go in saying, “I'm still learning, but I think I know what can help you, and I'm willing to give it a try if you are,” you diffuse the situation.

What are dry replies?

A "dry reply" means responding to a message with minimal effort, often with one-word answers, single emojis, or short phrases like "k," "lol," or "yeah," making the conversation feel boring, lackluster, or like the other person isn't interested. It signals disinterest, busyness, or a lack of emotional engagement, leaving the receiver feeling like they're carrying the conversation.
 

What is a good instant reply message?

Generic Auto Reply

We have received your message and will be in touch {Time Frame}. Thank you for contacting us! We will be in touch shortly, but you may also find answers to some of your questions on our FAQ page at {link}. We look forward to serving you!

How to start responding instead of reacting?

Here are steps to respond rather than react:

  1. Name your emotions.
  2. Recognize how your body feels.
  3. Use your breath to regain control.
  4. Ask yourself why you reacted.
  5. Practice mindfulness regularly.

What is breadcrumbing?

“Breadcrumbing is when you give an individual just enough morsels of attention to keep them interested or hooked into the relationship (or situationship), without any intention of really committing,” Dr. Albers explains. Essentially, it's a tactic used to string somebody along.

What is the 3 6 9 rule in dating?

The 3-6-9 dating rule is a framework for relationship progression, marking key phases: 3 months (honeymoon phase), 6 months (conflict/reality check), and 9 months (decision/solidification) to gauge compatibility by navigating challenges and seeing a partner's true colors before major commitments like moving in or marriage, helping to build a strong, realistic foundation by seeing good, bad, and ugly.
 

Is texting everyday clingy?

Texting every day isn't inherently clingy; it depends entirely on the relationship dynamic and the other person's comfort, but it can become clingy if it feels like constant check-ins, if it pressures the other person to respond, or if you get upset with delayed replies, so focus on mutual engagement, not just sending messages. A healthy pattern involves both parties feeling connected without one being smothered or feeling like they have to entertain the other all day. 

What do judges like to hear?

In hearings or trials, we love you when you stipulate to what you can. Don't waste time on things that are unimportant to the issue that you want us to decide. Judges love stipulations that save time. Be intellectually honest; don't try to trick us into ruling your way.

How to look more innocent in court?

Individuals should stick with darker, more serious colors and avoid bright colors, intricate patterns, or any non-traditional fashion choices. While women and men may wear different clothing, both genders should conceal any visible tattoos and wear their hair in a trimmed, combed or styled fashion with a natural color.

What not to tell a judge?

You should not say anything sarcastic, interrupt the judge, lie, use slang, make personal attacks on others, guarantee outcomes, or speak about things not relevant to the case; instead, remain respectful, address the judge as "Your Honor," answer only the question asked, and be direct and truthful to maintain credibility.