Sometimes, you just want to scream, “This is not my circus, not my monkeys.” Pero the world expects you to stay polite, helpful, and a little too available. I’ve been the person who swallowed my frustration, nodded, and took on one more thing—only to end up resenting the whole situation.
However, here’s the thing: boundaries aren’t mean. They’re a kind of self-respect that doesn’t make you a villain. The trick is saying no without burning a bridge—or losing yourself in the process.
Here are 17 phrases that let you honor your limits, keep your dignity, and still sound like the grown-up in the room. Use them like a secret code for self-preservation.
1. This is outside my area of expertise.
Some days, honesty feels more radical than anything else. I remember the first time I said, “This is outside my area of expertise,” my voice shook just a little. Not because I didn’t want to help, but because it felt like admitting a flaw.
Turns out, it’s not weakness. It’s respect—for yourself, for the work, for whoever’s asking. You wouldn’t want your dentist fixing your car, right? If someone expects you to solve a problem you’ve never even studied, calling it out isn’t rude. It’s clarity.
You can soften the moment with, “I understand why you’d ask, but this isn’t my field.” It’s not a wall; it’s a light pointing to the right door. The people who get it will thank you later.
2. This issue is beyond my scope of work.
You ever get handed a task and instantly feel your shoulders tense? That’s your body knowing what your mouth wants to say.
I used to feel guilty drawing this line, as if I was dodging teamwork. But boundaries aren’t about laziness; they’re about sustainability. When you take on things that don’t belong to you, you rob yourself—and others—of focus.
Try saying, “That isn’t in my lane, but I can point you to someone who’s got it covered.” It’s not a shutdown. It’s a gentle redirect, and sometimes, that’s exactly what empowers a team to function. If nobody says it, everyone drowns.
3. This matter is not within my purview.
There’s a certain freedom in admitting, “That matter is not within my purview.” Think of it less as a brush-off and more as a way to avoid the emotional overload that comes with over-promising.
Years ago, I tried to be everywhere for everyone. I burned out. Now, I know my limits—and I name them. Sometimes that means calmly stating, “That’s not my area,” and letting the conversation pause.
The pause is important. It gives everyone space to think about who really should be responsible. Sometimes, the grown-up thing is simply not stepping in. That’s maturity, not neglect.
4. I am not the correct point of contact for this.
It’s tempting to just say yes because it feels easier than explaining yourself. But when you tell someone, “I am not the correct point of contact for this,” you’re actually saving them (and yourself) a heap of wasted time.
I once tried to fix a tech issue for a coworker—hours later, we both regretted it. Now, I redirect: “I’m not the person for this, but I can connect you.” That’s not cold; it’s practical.
The right people appreciate the nudge in the right direction. You aren’t shutting a door; you’re opening another, and that’s the real help.
5. This is beyond my capacity.
Capacity isn’t just about skill; it’s about bandwidth, too. Have you ever agreed to something just because you felt bad, only to regret it at 2am when your brain wouldn’t shut off?
This is like telling the truth out loud—maybe for the first time that week. I once overbooked myself so badly that my to-do list became my worst enemy. Never again.
People respect honesty. If you own your limits, you show you’re a real human, not a machine. That’s more impressive than pretending you can do it all.
6. This request exceeds my role limitations.
There’s nothing wrong with being clear about your job description. When you say this phrase you’re drawing a line that defines who you are at work—and what you are not.
I can’t count how many times I watched people quietly resent extra work that wasn’t theirs to begin with. The unspoken agreement? If you say yes once, you’ll always say yes.
Breaking that cycle can be scary, but it’s necessary. You don’t have to apologize for being honest about what’s officially expected of you. Your future self will thank you.
7. I am not equipped to handle that.
One of the bravest things you can do is admit when you’re not equipped to handle something. It’s not about failure; it’s about integrity. I’ve learned that trying to fake it only leads to more confusion for everyone.
Saying, “I am not equipped to handle that,” with kindness takes guts. It invites collaboration and honesty, instead of shame or pretense.
I’d rather be known for being real than for covering things up. And honestly, most people appreciate the heads-up. You’re saving them from disappointment down the road.
8. This is outside my decision-making authority.
It’s hard not to want the final say. This phrase is one you use when you know your limits and respect the structure around you.
I’ve watched meetings spiral when nobody wants to admit they can’t make the call. Trust me, it’s better to say it upfront. People need clarity more than they need a hero.
It’s not defeat—it’s maturity. Your job isn’t to do everything; it’s to do what you’re meant to do, and do it well.
9. I am not the appropriate contact for this matter.
You ever walk into a room and realize you’re not even supposed to be there? That’s how this phrase lands.
Instead of fumbling, say, “Let me get you to the right person.” Saves you both the embarrassment.
It’s not deflection; it’s connection. By pointing someone to the right contact, you’re keeping the gears moving instead of letting things jam up with awkwardness.
10. This is not my area of responsibility.
The guilt trip is real. People expect you to pick up slack, especially if you’re a safe bet for getting things done. But saying this is a gentle rebellion against that unspoken pressure.
You’re not refusing to help—you’re reminding everyone where the map ends. I had to learn the hard way: being helpful doesn’t mean being a doormat.
You stay kinder, longer, if you keep your responsibilities clear. That’s the kind of leadership that actually lasts.
11. I am not the best person to assist with this.
Ever felt a pang of guilt for saying no? Try this phrase. It’s honest, and it gives others the chance to shine.
I’ve learned to trust the expertise of those around me. Nobody gets it right every time, and delegating doesn’t mean you’re slacking—it means you value quality.
Pointing someone to a better helper? That’s actually the grown-up move. Sometimes excellence is knowing when to step aside.
12. This is not within my jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction sounds like a cop show, but it’s real. I once tried to handle something for another department and wound up tangled in red tape.
Now, I just say, “This is not within my jurisdiction.” It’s short, clear, and keeps you out of battles you can’t win.
At times, your only job is to know where your work ends. That’s not stubbornness—it’s wisdom earned the hard way.
13. This is not under my remit.
There’s a quiet strength in stating, “This is not under my remit.” It sounds formal, but it saves you from endless circles of miscommunication.
I once spent days on a task that wasn’t even mine, just because I didn’t want to seem unhelpful. Now, I draw that line. I’m still helpful—just not at my own expense.
You deserve to protect your time. Remit is just another word for boundary—one you get to define.
14. I am not the correct point of contact.
It honestly took me years to say this without feeling like a fraud. But it’s a kindness, really.
You’re not abandoning someone—you’re steering them closer to what they actually need. I once watched a teammate waste hours with the wrong person, just to spare feelings.
People move faster when you set them in the right direction. That’s the real win. Boundaries speed up progress, believe it or not.
15. That does not fall to me.
Sometimes, you say no with a smile. “That does not fall to me,” is my go-to when people try the “Hey, could you just…?” dance.
Lightness helps. I’ll shrug, laugh, and point to the right person. Most folks respect a little humor with their honesty.
If you do this enough, you train people to respect your time—and maybe even follow your lead. That’s more powerful than any formal memo.
16. This is not aligned with my duties.
Alignment isn’t just a buzzword. When you say this phrase you’re protecting your energy and reinforcing what you’re actually paid to do.
When you spend hours on a project that has nothing to do with your job and nobody thankes you, you learn. From that moment, you listen to your gut and speak up before things go sideways.
People respect a clear signal. You don’t have to be mean—just honest. That’s the kind of culture shift that starts small but changes everything.
17. I lack the authority to comment on this.
Authority isn’t about ego. In certain moments, saying this is the most honest answer you can give.
People get tangled in politics by speaking out of turn. The safest move? Admit your limits, and pass it to someone whose word actually matters.
Honest boundaries protect reputations. Your own, and the team’s. Trust me, it’s worth it every single time.