Everyone has crossed paths with a know-it-all. They’re the ones who confidently deliver their opinions as if they were universal truths, rarely leaving room for anyone else’s perspective. In conversation, they can drain the air from the room, turning what could have been a lively exchange into a one-sided lecture.
But here’s the twist: shutting them down doesn’t have to be harsh, confrontational, or awkward. Instead, there are subtle phrases—soft but sharp—that can re-balance the dynamic. These aren’t meant to humiliate or spark a verbal duel. Rather, they’re tools to gently remind the “expert” in the room that knowledge isn’t monopolized by one voice.
Below are twelve phrases you can keep in your conversational toolkit. Each one is disarming, polite, and slyly effective at humbling the next know-it-all you meet.
1. “Have you thought about it from this angle?”
This is a velvet-gloved interruption. On the surface, it feels harmless—just another question tossed into the mix. But the effect is subtle power-shifting. It reminds the self-proclaimed authority that their viewpoint is not the full story. By inviting them to consider a different angle, you’re planting the idea that the ground they’re standing on may not be as firm as they think.
Conversations work best when they’re two-sided. This phrase transforms a lecture back into dialogue, nudging the other person toward reflection rather than dominance.
Read more: Psychology Says These 12 Things Will Instantly Kill Any Conversation
2. “I’m curious about where you learned that.”
Few things throw a know-it-all off balance like a quiet probe into their sources. They often expect agreement, not curiosity about the foundation of their claims. This phrase appears innocent, but it forces them to reveal whether they’re leaning on genuine knowledge or simply bluffing.
It’s not an accusation—it’s an invitation for clarity. But if they can’t back it up, the façade starts to crack. Without ever raising your voice, you’ve shifted the energy of the conversation.
3. “That’s one way to see it.”
Delivered with calmness, this phrase is like a verbal shrug. It neither confirms nor denies the validity of their opinion—it simply acknowledges it without bowing down to it.
Psychologists often suggest that recognizing someone’s perspective without endorsing it is a smart way to keep the peace while maintaining independence. That’s exactly what this phrase does: it validates the existence of their view without elevating it above all others.
The beauty is in its gentleness. It doesn’t fuel the ego, nor does it ignite an argument. It simply keeps the floor open.
4. “Can you walk me through your thinking?”
This question feels respectful but functions like a quiet spotlight. Suddenly, the know-it-all isn’t just dropping statements—they’re expected to unpack them. If their knowledge is only surface-level, the gaps become visible fast.
By asking them to explain step by step, you subtly test whether their confidence is built on substance or smoke. The longer they talk, the easier it is for cracks to show.
And you don’t have to say a word more—the question does all the heavy lifting.
5. “That’s a good point, but have you considered [alternative]?”
This phrase threads a needle: it validates what they’ve said, but then slips in a counterbalance. It’s polite yet firm, opening the door to perspectives they may have ignored.
People who dominate discussions often crave recognition. By acknowledging their input before offering a new angle, you disarm them while still challenging their claim. You look cooperative and thoughtful, but you’ve also reminded them that they’re not the only one capable of insight.
6. “I don’t think everyone would agree with that.”
Deceptively simple, this line introduces the possibility of dissent. It plants the idea that their sweeping statements don’t speak for the group—or for reality at large.
You’re not picking a fight or presenting counter-evidence. You’re simply creating space for other voices. That space alone can be enough to remind them that their view isn’t universally accepted, no matter how confidently delivered.
Read more: Using These 10 Words In Everyday Conversation May Mean You Have Above-Average Intelligence
7. “Have you fact-checked that?”
This one lands softly but leaves an impression. It’s an invitation to accountability. Know-it-alls often thrive on momentum—confidently throwing out information without expecting to be challenged. Asking whether something has been fact-checked quietly forces them to pause.
It’s not rude; it’s responsible. In an age where misinformation travels faster than truth, this question isn’t just conversationally useful—it’s socially necessary. And it places the burden of accuracy right back on them.
8. “That’s one opinion.”
Short, clean, and razor-sharp, this phrase acknowledges their words without elevating them. It reframes their claim as just one possibility among many.
The magic here is in its restraint. You’re not dismissing their perspective outright, but you’re also not letting them crown it as universal truth. For someone who thrives on validation, that lack of endorsement is enough to deflate their momentum.
9. “That’s not what I’ve heard.”
This line is a polite challenge wrapped in curiosity. It doesn’t accuse them of being wrong, but it signals that there’s conflicting information out there. Suddenly, the know-it-all is nudged into defending their claim instead of simply declaring it.
The beauty of this phrase is its openness. It implies you’re willing to compare perspectives, not blindly accept theirs. And that willingness shifts the balance of control.
10. “There’s more than one way to look at it.”
This is the conversational equivalent of raising an eyebrow. It reminds the overconfident speaker that the world is rarely as clear-cut as they’re making it sound.
Instead of pushing back aggressively, you’re simply suggesting complexity. And complexity is kryptonite for those who thrive on overly simplistic certainty. Sometimes, a gentle reminder that multiple truths can coexist is enough to soften the sharp edges of their confidence.
11. “That’s a new take, but I’m not sure I agree.”
Balance is the key here. You’re giving them credit for originality, but you’re also openly holding your ground. It’s a soft resistance—firm enough to establish independence, but not so heavy-handed that it sparks hostility.
For a know-it-all, encountering someone who won’t fold under their confidence can be humbling. You’re showing that you think critically, even when presented with something fresh or bold.
12. “I’ll have to check that out for myself.”
This phrase is both graceful and powerful. It politely detaches you from their influence by signaling independence. You’re not taking their word as final—you’ll do your own digging.
It also doubles as an exit strategy. Whether you actually research it later or not, you’ve made it clear that you’re not under their intellectual thumb. That small act of autonomy often delivers more humility than direct confrontation ever could.
How to Deal with Difficult People | Jay Johnson | TEDxLivoniaCCLibrary
Read more: Prefer Deep Conversation Over Small Talk? These 8 Rare Traits Could Explain Why
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a know-it-all doesn’t have to mean butting heads or retreating into silence. These phrases are like conversational aikido: subtle redirections that shift energy without escalating tension. They let you hold your ground, protect your peace, and remind others that authority doesn’t equal absolute truth.
At their best, these lines can nudge a domineering speaker toward humility. At the very least, they help you reclaim space in the conversation. And sometimes, that quiet assertion is the most powerful tool of all.
Featured image: Freepik.
Friendly Note: FreeJupiter.com shares general information for curious minds. Please fact-check all claims and double-check health info with a qualified professional. 🌱
