Don’t Exert Yourself – Meaning and Examples
Your grandmother sees you carrying heavy boxes and says, “Oh dear, don’t exert yourself!” Or maybe a friend just had surgery, and you tell them, “Rest up—don’t exert yourself.” The phrase don’t exert yourself is a polite, caring way to tell someone not to push too hard—physically or mentally. It’s common in health-related or thoughtful conversations, and knowing how to use it helps you sound kind and fluent.
What Does “Don’t Exert Yourself” Mean?
“Don’t exert yourself” means “don’t push your body or mind too hard.” It’s a way of saying: take it easy, rest, or go slow—especially if someone is tired, sick, or recovering. Think of it like gently saying, “You’ve done enough—now relax.” It’s not about laziness; it’s about care and caution.
When to Use It
Use “don’t exert yourself” in warm, considerate situations like:
- With someone who’s ill or injured: “You just had surgery—don’t exert yourself.”
- Helping older relatives: “Let me carry that, Auntie—don’t exert yourself.”
- After intense effort: “You ran 5 miles? Don’t exert yourself more today!”
It’s neutral to slightly formal and always kind. Avoid using it jokingly or sarcastically—it’s meant sincerely.
Example Sentences
- The doctor said, “Don’t exert yourself for the next two weeks.”
- You’ve been working all day—please, don’t exert yourself any further.
- She’s 80 years old, so we always tell her, “Don’t exert yourself, Grandma.”
- It’s hot outside. Don’t exert yourself in this weather.
Mini Dialogue
Nurse: “You can walk a little, but don’t exert yourself.”
Patient: “Got it. I’ll take it slow.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use it to discourage effort in normal tasks: “Don’t exert yourself on your homework.” (Sounds odd!)
✅ Do use it when health, recovery, or safety is involved: “Don’t exert yourself while you’re still weak.”
Practice Tip
Practice Tip
Next time someone looks tired or unwell, practice saying kindly: “Don’t exert yourself—rest first.”
Final Note
“Don’t exert yourself” is more than a phrase—it’s a way to show you care. Now you can use it to comfort, protect, and support others in English. Keep speaking with kindness, and your fluency will grow naturally. You’re doing a wonderful job—take breaks when you need them too!
