How many times were you told that you have a wry sense of humor? How did you react to it? “Oh well”, I guess.
To some people the response given may come off as unnecessary and not in line with the statement given, others may find the response as interrogative, whatever the case, knowing how to respond to a statement correctly is something to desire.
In this article, we reveal the 20 best responses to “oh well”. Just before we jump into the responses, we would take a quick look at what it means when you or someone respond to your sentence or question with an oh well:
What does it mean when someone says “oh well?”
Depending on the scenario and exactly the context of whatever statement that prompted the response oh well, the meaning could as well vary from person to person.
For example, someone who is being teased is likely to respond with an “oh well” statement in a humorous tone, and one who is being uncertain about a result is likely to respond to an “oh well” question in a disbelieving tone.
Nevertheless, whatever the reason for you or your close second saying oh well, the next section brings you answers that match exactly the statement.
20 Best Responses to “Oh Well”
The list below is not a size fit all response to an oh well question since circumstances/ occurrences differ from person to person.
We’d let it slide
This response is best used when a particular task, duty, etc is trivial and causes little impact on a broad scale.
When an issue is minuscule and it is glaring that little harm would be caused from the mistake, then when such a person is asked why they took the action respond with an Oh Well, can the response to that be we’d let it slide.
An example is when lovers while playfully pulling at one another shirts accidentally tear off the hem of their dress, the one whose dress is torn could respond with an oh well leaving the culprit saying we’d let it slide.
In this case, no one is hurt or in serious trouble.
I take that as a Yes
“I take that as a Yes” sits in as one of the best responses to “oh well: as it addresses an instance where the person who made the oh well statement is battling insecurity or doubt.
Some people have a deep-seated fear that even when they are right about a thing and would choose to play safe lest their optimism is cut short, these people are liable to use the oh well statement frequently.
The best anyone can do is to make obvious the positive by turning the statement of doubt to an I take that as a yes.
This builds confidence that the task at hand was handled as planned and that no stone has been left unturned.
Imagine a less confident civil engineer saying oh well instead of being positive about the bridge construction they constructed.
Let us do it anyway
When push comes to shove is the perfect description of this statement, after all, factors considered and not a way out, the best is to just do it.
In this light, oh well is a statement that depicts surrender and where the only option is to do the extreme. The best response to “oh well” in this light is “do it anyway.”
Imagine sailors faced with a storm and strong sea waves throwing some cargoes overboard just to avoid a ship capsizing, the same principle applies to using the response above when an oh well statement is used.
Is that all you can do?
This is supposed to be a nudge.
Speaker: Oh well, I guess I’ve tried
Me: Is that all you can do?
The short description portrays the kind of response to give to an oh well statement in that light, sometimes people need to be pushed beyond their comfort zone.
By responding in that manner, you give the speaker the impression that there’s more they could do in achieving their set goal than just resigning to fate.
What is the Problem?
If you are a parent reading this, then you should be able to relate to this instance:
Your child walks up to you looking dull with a desire to let something, not their chest, yet they keep stuttering the words oh well. What would be your response in this case?
Just as I thought, your next line of action is to inquire as to why they look melancholic, in other words, what the problem is.
By responding to an oh well question with a what is the problem, you show to anyone listening that you are willing to lend a hand where you can as well as offer practical suggestions.
Go straight to the point
Maybe you don’t fancy sluggishness worse still when it comes from one who is sluggish, then this response is your best bet.
There’s an irritating feeling to having one who you think should be bold enough to communicate fumbling, at this point their stutter is met with a direct Go straight to the point!
This response when passed across has a direct impact on whoever is fumbling to get more flesh to their bones and stop beating around the bush.
Do you Understand?
A further inquiry can be all that it takes to save the day for someone whose only statement is oh well.
Here is how it works:
Someone has a challenge comprehending a particular concept and in the middle of trying to grasp this idea, constantly utters gibberish words(oh well, being part of them), your response in this case should be done you understand?
By responding in this manner, the ability to detect an unclarity from the statement oh well, makes it easy to fix the problem.
Is there anything I can Do?
Sequel to do you understand, this response is best used when there is a confusing situation among a group.
While the latter response above focuses more on how an individual grasps a concept, replying to an oh well question with is there anything I can do is suitable for a team who are out of ideas.
It could be that a particular aspect of a project or task is a pain point that none of the team members can sort out, and the moment more of an oh well statement is let out, offering help in response becomes inevitable.
You don’t buy the Idea?
You know when doubt is expressed as per an opinion and for fear of wanting to hurt the feeling of whoever brought the idea, there tend to be a lot of oh well exclamations.
While it may seem unruly to tell them to their faces that their idea isn’t feasible, some very intelligent individuals will sense the atmosphere and seek to know if their idea is worth flying or not.
This response should not be overlooked especially if you find yourself in a circumstance where for respect they can’t debunk your ideas. Making it one of the responses to give an oh well statement.
Keep trying
While this on the surface doesn’t deem a response to give to an oh well question, it is the best to give to that person who feels like throwing in the towel as regards their ambition.
If during a conversation on career, the rate at which an oh well statement is used supersedes the main topic, at this point “keep trying” as a response would do well to encourage them.
Although theseIndividindividualsot directly revealed the challenge they face in the path they are pursuing, your ability t analyze and urge them on would make them respect and adore you, eventually making them do better.
It’s just a Prank
You know when you have succeeded in teasing and playing a fast one on an unsuspecting victim and then they say oh well, especially if they believe all that you’ve said?
Two angles to this, you could choose to let the Prank go on and face the repercussions of whatever action would ensue or you give in the best response of letting them know it’s a prank.
Not only is responding by telling them it’s a prank, but you will also create an atmosphere of humor that defuses any brewing conflict.
Suit Yourself
This is for those who have tried convincing a bull-headed person to no avail and yet they keep coming in with the statement oh well.
No matter what you do, some people would not balk at your suggestion, contribution, and advice, they seem to come up with countless reasons why your suggestions are lame, watch out for the oh well statement.
The best response in light of their recalcitrance is to tell them to suit themselves. This would let them know you are done ever suggesting anything to them while still keeping your peace of mind.
Is it Unbelievable?
You know when you have a casual discussion with your homies and then a topic is brought up, and many start whispering oh well in disbelief, we have got a response for that.
You see, some experiences happen in reality, only those who it either happened to or heard stories of it are likely to believe while others won’t. Your best answer at this time is to inquire if it sounds incredible.
This response puts your disbelievers in a state to want to know and at this point, you have to elaborate your point in a way that will become one of consent.
Were you expecting Someone?
Just when you and your loved one are about to jump into that divan and see that interesting movie, the doorbell rings, and they say, “oh well.” How do you respond?
Unless you are expecting a guest then the need for asking if they were expecting someone is unnecessary, on the contrary, if you aren’t, the best response is to ask if they were expecting someone.
When this is done, you allow for a dialogue that can help decide if attending to whoever is at the door at that moment is worth answering or not.
Please Try to Understand
There is a level of nonchalance that a person may put through that the only statement that comes out from their mouth is oh well.
How often have you disappointed someone? It becomes normal for such a person to see you and exclaimed oh well even before you bring in the next disappointment. Not to worry, there’s a remedy.
The best response to an oh well statement like this Is to play persuasively on those you’ve disappointed to understand with you, good luck if they accept your reason.
Thank you for your Help
Saying thank you to an oh well statement like this is best appreciated when the one seeking help makes a demand initially for assistance.
Say you needed a hitchhike and come across a driver with space for an extra person to join in the ride, if after asking the response turns out to be oh well hop in, your gratitude response should be activated.
Your appreciation depicts how courteous and amicable he and you are.
What Now?
Tired of listening to the whines of childish people and those who are just pestering your peace, then it’s high time you give them a response.
Sometimes this pestering could come off as harmless and just in a bid to hear you say something to their teasing(could be that new dress you just had, the new guy taking you out on a date, etc.) A what now isn’t a bad idea.
By playing along you made your prankster know that you are aware and would pay them for their prank in due time.
Very well then
Who has the time to wait for an answer before doing what fits them? No response beat the very well then at this point.
There is a state of prolonged indecision plus oh well will get to that recipient of this statement would assume they go on with an action, and in turn, respond with very well then.
Their response signifies that their waiting for you to make up your mind is long past and they are willing to take the bull by the horn.
Never Mind
When it takes forever to give a concrete answer to questions asked and one’s consistent oh well without answering is likely to meet a ignore in the form of never mind
This tells that the delay in coming up with an answer has reached its peak and instead of waiting further, they rather respond with a never mind.
You’re going to Love It
Last but not least in our list of best responses to the oh well the question is the response you’re gonna love it. Here is why this response is included.
When one is lost in a mix of emotions over a promise made that seems too good to be true yet is, the tendency to exclaim oh well becomes irresistible, and as an assurance, responding with you are going to love it is the icing on the cake.
This makes the imagined fun and adventure come alive even before hitting the road, it is therefore okay to respond in this manner when the excitement is unbelievable yet believable.
Parting Words
Phew!
Who says good things don’t come to an end? Today’s article has us highlight the best responses to an oh well statement plus instances where they can be used.
Until next time, remember to use your: you’re going to love it, Never mind, Thank you for your help, etc whenever you get the oh well statement.