computer says no

9.9

A refusal from a computer or office system that cannot be changed

idiom

: el ordenador dice que no

The bank worker shrugged and simply said, 'computer says no,' ending the conversation.

Examples

Every time I ask for something slightly unusual, the computer says no and they can't help me.
Sometimes it feels like the whole system is just built around a computer says no attitude.
The computer says no!
When I asked for a refund, the computer says no.
The clerk told me that my request was denied because the computer says no.
Whenever I try to resolve my issues, it always feels like computer says no is the final answer.
Frustrated by the lack of assistance, I realized that the computer says no policy was preventing any action.

Synonyms

refusal

vscomputer says no

122 1.4

An act of saying you will not accept or agree to something

is an impersonal, bureaucratic rejection marked by inflexibility

vscomputer says no

2 1.0

An answer that refuses a request or idea

is used to blame bureaucracy for a rigid and unhelpful rejection

don't call us, we'll call you

vscomputer says no

8.6

Says that someone's application or request is rejected and ends the conversation

attributes refusal to a bureaucracy and shows unhelpful inflexibility

Antonyms

yep

Informal

636 7.7

A casual way to say yes when speaking

Surface Forms

computer says no main

Morphology

computer + say + no

A learner who knows 'computer', 'say', and 'no' can derive the literal meaning 'the computer says no', so the basic idea of refusal is accessible. However, the conventionalized, sarcastic use to signal an unhelpful or inflexible refusal (often attributed to bureaucracy or a system) is pragmatic and culturally grounded, so full interpretation typically requires prior exposure.

Etymology

Computer says no comes from a comedy sketch where an office worker looked at the computer and, when the system would not allow a request, simply said says no and did nothing to help. That picture — a machine just saying 'no' while the person refuses to act — is why it means an unhelpful or inflexible 'refusal' from a computer system or office.