Idioms & Phrasal Verbs to Handle Toxic People at Work & Life!

Belittle
Response 1: "I’d appreciate it if you could focus on constructive feedback instead of personal comments. I’m here to learn and contribute."
Response 2: "I don’t think mocking my idea helps move the discussion forward. Could we talk about how to improve it instead?"
Put Down
Response 1: "I feel like your comment was more critical than necessary. Can we focus on solutions instead of pointing out faults?"
Response 2: "When you say things like that, it makes me feel disrespected. Let’s keep the conversation productive."
Talk Down To
Response 1: "I understand what you’re saying, but I’d appreciate it if you spoke to me as a peer rather than assuming I don’t get it."
Response 2: "Thanks for explaining, but I’ve
got it covered. Let me know if there’s something specific you’d like me to revisit."
Call Someone Out on Something
Response 1: "I don’t think that’s appropriate. Let’s keep the conversation respectful."
Response 2: "I noticed you took credit for something I worked on. Let’s make sure everyone gets recognition for their contributions."
Micromanage
Response 1: "I appreciate your guidance, but I work best when I have more independence. Could we agree on a check-in schedule instead of frequent updates?"
Response 2: "I’d like to assure you that I’m capable of handling this task. I’ll let you know if I need additional support."
Breathe Down Someone’s Neck
Response 1: "It’s hard for me to concentrate when I feel like I’m being constantly monitored. Could we touch base at specific intervals instead?"
Response 2: "I’ve got this under control. I’ll send you an update as soon as I make some progress."
These responses aim to set boundaries, maintain professionalism, and encourage open communication. Let me know if you'd like more tailored phrases!
Manipulation - Guilt-Tripping
Response 1: "I understand you’re upset, but I need to stick to my plans. Let’s find another time to talk about this."
Response 2: "Friendship shouldn’t be about guilt. I’ll help if I can, but I also need to take care of myself."
Playing the Victim
Response 1: "I’m here for you, but it’s hard to help when it feels like I’m being blamed. Let’s
focus on solutions."
Response 2: "I care about you, but it’s important we take responsibility for our actions instead of blaming others."
Gaslighting
Response 1: "I remember the situation differently, and it’s okay if we don’t agree, but please don’t dismiss my feelings."
Response 2: "I don’t appreciate being told I’m imagining things. Let’s stick to the facts and work through this calmly."
Pull the Strings
Response 1: "I’ve noticed that you often suggest what we do as a group. Can we make sure everyone’s voice is heard?"
Response 2: "I value your input, but it feels like decisions are being made without proper discussion. Let’s work together more openly."
Backstabber
Response 1: "I trusted you with something personal, and it feels like you betrayed me. Can we talk about why that happened?"
Response 2: "I value honesty in friendships. If there’s an issue, I’d rather we address it directly instead of involving others."
Burn Bridges
Response 1: "It hurts that you’ve cut off contact without explanation. If there’s something wrong, I’d like the chance to talk it through."
Response 2: "I hope we can reconnect in the future. If not, I wish you the best, but I’m open to fixing things if you are."
Two-Faced
Response 1: "I value honesty in my friendships, so if there’s an issue, I’d appreciate it if you came to me directly."
Response 2: "I’ve heard some things you’ve said about me behind my back. If we’re friends, let’s clear the air face-to-face."
Cut Someone Off
Response 1: "I noticed you’ve stopped responding. If I’ve done something to upset you, I’d like to talk about it."
Response 2: "I respect your decision, but I wish we could have had a conversation before cutting ties."
Put Up With
Response 1: "I’ve been tolerating this behavior for a while, but it’s starting to affect our friendship. Can we talk about it?"
Response 2: "I want to support you, but I can’t keep putting up with negativity all the time. Let’s find a better balance."
Call Someone Out
Response 1: "I noticed you didn’t follow through on what you promised. Can we talk about what happened?"
Response 2: "I need to call you out on something because it’s been bothering me. I feel like you’ve been unfair, and I’d like us to clear the air."
Throw Shade
Response 1: "That comment felt unnecessary. If there’s something you want to say, I’d rather hear it directly."
Response 2: "I appreciate honesty, but making subtle digs doesn’t help. Let’s be upfront with each other."

[@ramonvelazco9365]

❤hi Fancy teacher thanks by your class ❤every time your class are More interesting

[@artem.zavalinich]

I don't miss a single episode, I try to support the artist and the channel with a like 👍, I like this Mediterranean siren, I also see that the author is not spoiled yet, fortunately, and respects the time and aspirations of the viewer, describing everything on the shelves, I do not dare to direct the author in the direction I need, but as a software developer I would like more topics in this direction, I understand that this is a narrowly specialized direction and the audience is smaller, but excuse me, give me IT, AI, software, hardware, security in the Internet and a general high tech dictionary. Спасибо за внимание!

[@fransyfancyenglish]

Thank you so much for your kind words and support, Artem! It means a lot to know you enjoy my content and find it valuable. I appreciate your suggestion about focusing on IT, AI, and tech-related topics-it's a great idea, and I'll definitely think about incorporating some tech vocabulary and idioms into future videos. Stay tuned, and thanks again for being an awesome viewer!

[@itsagkalidis]

Staying away from a toxic person is often the healthiest choice for your well-being, especially if their behavior is consistently harmful to your emotional, mental, or physical health.

[@fransyfancyenglish]

Absolutely! Protecting your well-being should always come first. It’s not easy, but setting boundaries with toxic people can be life-changing.

[@itsagkalidis]

Especially in situations where both parties are toxic.

[@fransyfancyenglish]

True

[@AnnamayyaT-s2u]

I love your content , i am facing similar issues.

[@fransyfancyenglish]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you can relate to the content. If you ever want me to cover a specific topic or issue you're facing, let me know.