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Moved all examples from Double Dont Know
[[folder:Audio Dramas]]
* In the ''AudioPlay/BigFinishDoctorWho'' drama ''[[Recap/BigFinishDoctorWho039BangBangABoom Bang-Bang-a-Boom!]]'', Dr. Fassbender -- the science officer on Dark Space Eight -- responds to ''every'' problem presented to him with "I don't know... I just don't know." [[spoiler:It turns out that he never knows because he's TheAlcoholic, and whatever scientific expertise he started with is long forgotten.]]
[[/folder]]
* In the ''AudioPlay/BigFinishDoctorWho'' drama ''[[Recap/BigFinishDoctorWho039BangBangABoom Bang-Bang-a-Boom!]]'', Dr. Fassbender -- the science officer on Dark Space Eight -- responds to ''every'' problem presented to him with "I don't know... I just don't know." [[spoiler:It turns out that he never knows because he's TheAlcoholic, and whatever scientific expertise he started with is long forgotten.]]
[[/folder]]
* From ''Fanfic/SpotsOff'', after Adrien and Alya see Marinette's identity being reported on the morning news:
-->'''Adrien:''' Alya, I'm gonna go visit her. Do... do you think that would help?\\
'''Alya:''' I don't know Adrien, I just don't know. I don't know how to help her anymore...
-->'''Adrien:''' Alya, I'm gonna go visit her. Do... do you think that would help?\\
'''Alya:''' I don't know Adrien, I just don't know. I don't know how to help her anymore...
* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanMaskOfThePhantasm'', Bruce has yet to become Batman, and is torn between fulfilling his promise to his parents and his new love Andrea Beaumont. He knows that he can't risk his life if someone is waiting at home for him. Alfred walks in and suggests that he tell her so, as she's on the phone.
-->'''Bruce:''' Alfred, I can't. Not now.\\
'''Alfred:''' What shall I say, sir?
-->'''Bruce:''' I... don't know. I just don't ''know!'' ''[[[PunchAWall punches the wall]]]''
-->'''Bruce:''' Alfred, I can't. Not now.\\
'''Alfred:''' What shall I say, sir?
-->'''Bruce:''' I... don't know. I just don't ''know!'' ''[[[PunchAWall punches the wall]]]''
* In ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda1'', after Shifu is finally persuaded to train the (by now thoroughly demoralized) Po:
-->'''Po:''' [[ArmorPiercingQuestion How are you gonna turn THIS into the Dragon Warrior?]] How? ''How?!''\\
'''Shifu:''' '''I DON'T KNOW!''' ''[{{Beat}}]'' ...I don't know.
-->'''Po:''' [[ArmorPiercingQuestion How are you gonna turn THIS into the Dragon Warrior?]] How? ''How?!''\\
'''Shifu:''' '''I DON'T KNOW!''' ''[{{Beat}}]'' ...I don't know.
Changed line(s) 29 (click to see context) from:
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
to:
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say In ''Film/BarbariansAtTheGate'', a fictionalized account of a real event, Henry Kravitz is explaining to his wife Caroline about his attempt to buy the RJR Nabisco conglomerate in a leveraged buy out in competitiion with F. Ross Johnson, RJR's CEO. Kravitz thinks Johnson is stalling and is not complying with legal requirements.
-->'''Henry''': They're absolutely stonewalling us... There's no way for George and me can come up with a realistic bid for the company without knowing its true value. And the law says Johnson's people have to cooperate with would-be buyers. They have to tell us all they know about the company's assets, their liabilities, where it's healthy, where it's not. Now, out of fear, or loyalty, or acting on Johnson's orders, I don't know, but not one of them will tell us a thing. We've got less than a week to make an offer, we're flying totally blind.
-->'''Caroline''': Do you honestly need Nabisco, Henry? Aren't there other companies that'd make you just as happy?
-->'''Henry''': It's not the company... it's the credibility. ''My'' credibilty. I can't just sit on the bench and let other people play the game. Not My game. Not with their rules.
-->'''Caroline''': So coach, what are you going to do?
-->'''Henry''': I don't know. I just... don't... know.
* ''Film/CentralStation'': Dora and Josue are stuck in some dumpy town, flat broke and hungry after Josue left their bag with their money on the train. After Josue asks what they're going to do, Dora flips out and says "Iwent into don't know! I don't know! Your parents should never have had you!" She regrets it instantly but that doesn't stop Josue from running away.
* In ''Film/TheEnforcer'', one of the terrorists wants to know something, prompting apublic shelter once.triple repeat:
-->'''Bobby:''' Did Wanda deliver the [ransom note] tape to the cops?\\
'''Lalo:''' I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. I wasn't with her.
* In ''Film/EscapeFromThePlanetOfTheApes'', a presidential advisor has discovered from them that one day apes will become sentient, and the world will be destroyed in the year 3955, so he tells the President of the United States that to prevent a StableTimeLoop, he should have the two chimpanzees from the future (Cornelius and Zira) killed.
-->'''President:''' Convince me.\\
'''Dr. Hasslein:''' By their own testimony, we know that one day, apes will acquire the power of intelligent speech. By Zira's testimony, we know she's pregnant with a child. By my own testimony, we know it's possible for this child -- provided, of course, that we permit its birth -- to bear or beget a talking ape with a dumb one... in a present-day jungle or a present-day zoo.\\
'''President:''' But do you believe, by deliberate present-day action, we can neutralize that possibility, that we can alter the future?\\
'''Dr. Hasslein:''' Yes, Mr. President, I do.\\
'''President:''' Do you also believe that we should? Given the power to alter the future, have we the right to use it?\\
'''Dr. Hasslein:''' I don't know. I've wrestled with this, Mr. President, I just don't know.
* "First rule of Film/FightClub is you do not talk about Fight Club. Second rule of Fight Club is '''''you do not talk about Fight Club'''''."
* In ''Film/Ghostbusters1984'', after being fired from the University:
-->'''Ray:''' This ecto-containment unit that Spengler and I talked about is going to take a load of bread to capitalize. Where are we going to get the money?\\
'''Peter:''' ''[takes a swig from a bottle]'' I don't know, Ray. I don't know...
* In ''Film/{{Hellfighters}}'', Chance tells Madeline that Greg, who took over the company, is in trouble and Chance is going to have to go help him. He admits this was bound to happen, and if it happens again, he'll go. Chance's work putting out oil fires is what broke up their first marriage; how does she feel this will affect things?
-->'''Madeline''': I don't know. I honestly don't know.
* In ''Film/{{JFK}}'', after the team views David Ferrie's body. Garrison begins walking away, dejected at losing the prosecution's best witness to the conspiracy. "Where you goin', Boss?" Bill calls after him. Garrison replies, "I don't know, Bill. I just... don't... know."He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"(In the two-tape set of the DirectorsCut on VHS, Tape 1 ended immediately after this line. Thus, it actually served as the ActBreak while the viewer switched tapes.)
-->'''Henry''': They're absolutely stonewalling us... There's no way for George and me can come up with a realistic bid for the company without knowing its true value. And the law says Johnson's people have to cooperate with would-be buyers. They have to tell us all they know about the company's assets, their liabilities, where it's healthy, where it's not. Now, out of fear, or loyalty, or acting on Johnson's orders, I don't know, but not one of them will tell us a thing. We've got less than a week to make an offer, we're flying totally blind.
-->'''Caroline''': Do you honestly need Nabisco, Henry? Aren't there other companies that'd make you just as happy?
-->'''Henry''': It's not the company... it's the credibility. ''My'' credibilty. I can't just sit on the bench and let other people play the game. Not My game. Not with their rules.
-->'''Caroline''': So coach, what are you going to do?
-->'''Henry''': I don't know. I just... don't... know.
* ''Film/CentralStation'': Dora and Josue are stuck in some dumpy town, flat broke and hungry after Josue left their bag with their money on the train. After Josue asks what they're going to do, Dora flips out and says "I
* In ''Film/TheEnforcer'', one of the terrorists wants to know something, prompting a
-->'''Bobby:''' Did Wanda deliver the [ransom note] tape to the cops?\\
'''Lalo:''' I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. I wasn't with her.
* In ''Film/EscapeFromThePlanetOfTheApes'', a presidential advisor has discovered from them that one day apes will become sentient, and the world will be destroyed in the year 3955, so he tells the President of the United States that to prevent a StableTimeLoop, he should have the two chimpanzees from the future (Cornelius and Zira) killed.
-->'''President:''' Convince me.\\
'''Dr. Hasslein:''' By their own testimony, we know that one day, apes will acquire the power of intelligent speech. By Zira's testimony, we know she's pregnant with a child. By my own testimony, we know it's possible for this child -- provided, of course, that we permit its birth -- to bear or beget a talking ape with a dumb one... in a present-day jungle or a present-day zoo.\\
'''President:''' But do you believe, by deliberate present-day action, we can neutralize that possibility, that we can alter the future?\\
'''Dr. Hasslein:''' Yes, Mr. President, I do.\\
'''President:''' Do you also believe that we should? Given the power to alter the future, have we the right to use it?\\
'''Dr. Hasslein:''' I don't know. I've wrestled with this, Mr. President, I just don't know.
* "First rule of Film/FightClub is you do not talk about Fight Club. Second rule of Fight Club is '''''you do not talk about Fight Club'''''."
* In ''Film/Ghostbusters1984'', after being fired from the University:
-->'''Ray:''' This ecto-containment unit that Spengler and I talked about is going to take a load of bread to capitalize. Where are we going to get the money?\\
'''Peter:''' ''[takes a swig from a bottle]'' I don't know, Ray. I don't know...
* In ''Film/{{Hellfighters}}'', Chance tells Madeline that Greg, who took over the company, is in trouble and Chance is going to have to go help him. He admits this was bound to happen, and if it happens again, he'll go. Chance's work putting out oil fires is what broke up their first marriage; how does she feel this will affect things?
-->'''Madeline''': I don't know. I honestly don't know.
* In ''Film/{{JFK}}'', after the team views David Ferrie's body. Garrison begins walking away, dejected at losing the prosecution's best witness to the conspiracy. "Where you goin', Boss?" Bill calls after him. Garrison replies, "I don't know, Bill. I just... don't... know."
* In ''Film/LordOfWar'', a triple version:
-->'''Yuri:''' I need a partner.\\
'''Vitaly:''' I don't know. I don't know, Yuri. I don't know.
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
* This happens in the film version of ''Theatre/TheSoundOfMusic''. When the Von Trapp family sits down to dinner, Captain Von Trapp announces that he's going away on yet another trip, to groans from his children. Gretl asks "How long will you be gone this time, Father?" and Captain Von Trapp says "I'm not sure, Gretl, not sure."
* In ''Film/TheSumOfAllFears'', the US President [[spoiler:was whisked out of the Baltimore football stadium before a nuclear bomb goes off]]. His aide asks:
-->'''Gene''': Mr. President, are you all right?
-->'''President''': Jesus, Gene, how do you think I am? How many casualties?
-->'''Gene''': We don't know.
-->'''President''': Cabot said it was Russian. How the hell did it get in there?
-->'''Gene''': We don't know. Radar didn't pick it up, so we know it wasn't a missile.
-->'''President''': How is Cabot? Where is he?
-->'''Gene''': I don't know.
-->'''President''': Well what do you know?
-->'''Gene''': I don't know, all right, I don't know.
-->'''President''': All right,all right.
-->'''Gene''': I don't know, for Christ's sake!
* ''Film/TheTerminator'': When Kyle and Sarah are on the run from the Terminator, she asks him if he can stop it.
-->'''Sarah:''' Can you stop it?\\
'''Reese:''' I dunno. With these weapons... I dunno.
* ''Film/TopGun'', as the classic '80s ClicheStorm, features the repetition of "I don't know", though in a slightly different way than might be expected.
-->'''Viper:''' Would you wanna fly with him?\\
'''Jester:''' I dunno. I just don't know.
-->'''Yuri:''' I need a partner.\\
'''Vitaly:''' I don't know. I don't know, Yuri. I don't know.
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
* This happens in the film version of ''Theatre/TheSoundOfMusic''. When the Von Trapp family sits down to dinner, Captain Von Trapp announces that he's going away on yet another trip, to groans from his children. Gretl asks "How long will you be gone this time, Father?" and Captain Von Trapp says "I'm not sure, Gretl, not sure."
* In ''Film/TheSumOfAllFears'', the US President [[spoiler:was whisked out of the Baltimore football stadium before a nuclear bomb goes off]]. His aide asks:
-->'''Gene''': Mr. President, are you all right?
-->'''President''': Jesus, Gene, how do you think I am? How many casualties?
-->'''Gene''': We don't know.
-->'''President''': Cabot said it was Russian. How the hell did it get in there?
-->'''Gene''': We don't know. Radar didn't pick it up, so we know it wasn't a missile.
-->'''President''': How is Cabot? Where is he?
-->'''Gene''': I don't know.
-->'''President''': Well what do you know?
-->'''Gene''': I don't know, all right, I don't know.
-->'''President''': All right,all right.
-->'''Gene''': I don't know, for Christ's sake!
* ''Film/TheTerminator'': When Kyle and Sarah are on the run from the Terminator, she asks him if he can stop it.
-->'''Sarah:''' Can you stop it?\\
'''Reese:''' I dunno. With these weapons... I dunno.
* ''Film/TopGun'', as the classic '80s ClicheStorm, features the repetition of "I don't know", though in a slightly different way than might be expected.
-->'''Viper:''' Would you wanna fly with him?\\
'''Jester:''' I dunno. I just don't know.
Deleted line(s) 39 (click to see context) :
* "First rule of Film/FightClub is you do not talk about Fight Club. Second rule of Fight Club is '''''you do not talk about Fight Club'''''."
Deleted line(s) 43,44 (click to see context) :
* Creator/IsaacAsimov's "Literature/TheSecretSense": As Fields leaves the ''portwem'', Garth calls out to rub in the SenseLossSadness Fields is feeling by emphasizing Fields feels blind now.
-->"You entered a normal man! You leave blind--''blind''-BLIND."
-->"You entered a normal man! You leave blind--''blind''-BLIND."
* In Creator/ArthurHailey's book ''In High Places'', there are two examples of repeating "I don't know":
** Alan Maitland is lawyer for Henri Duval, who is a stowaway on a freighter who has no papers, and thus, no country will admit him. Maitland has been trying to find a way to allow Henri to be admitted to Canada. Dan Orliffe, a local reporter covering the story, mentions that Prime Minister Howden will be arriving in town and that his newspaper could arrange for Maitland to meet him. As desperate as Maitland is to get Henri admitted, he's not sure if he should.
--->''Dan Orliffe's face had a studied earnestness. "Everybody has an angle, but you and I would be helping each other, and Duval too. Besides, with that kind of advance publicity Howden wouldn't dare refuse."\\
"I don't know, I just don't know." Standing up, tiredly, Alan thought, what was the point of it all?''
** Brian Richardson, the manager of the Political Party who the Prime Minister of Canada belongs to, has asked the Prime Minister's secretary, Millie, to marry him. She's not sure if it will work.
--->''"If only it were that simple," Millie sighed.\\
He said defiantly, "We can make it that simple."\\
Unhappily she answered, "Brian, darling, I don't know. Honestly, I don't know."\\
''Or do I know?'' she thought.''
* In ''[[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y8RK2QT?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=dbs_s_ks_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1699590881&sr=1-1 Lost Mission]]'', the first book of Daniel Young and Joshua James' nine-volume ''Oblivion'' series, a group of discredited ex-police and ex-military members has discovered that a death-worshipping religious cult named the Oblivion has shapeshifters disguised as people so they can fit in, either massacring dozens or hundreds at a time or committing suicide bombings that the shapeshifters themselves will not be killed by, allowing them to then go on to kill more people. This discovery (plus the things they did to find out) has made their group wanted fugitives. Worse, the people they're going to rendezvous with off-world are untrustworthy and will probably come after them too, so they have nowhere to go. Ben gives the other members of the group an excuse as to why they should go on a search mission to find the military ship captained by his father, which has gone missing:
-->''He looked at Ace, then at Morgan, wondering if either of them would guess what he was about to say. "We can go find the ''Atlas.''"\\
"Those coordinates are classified," Morgan said. \\
Ben hesitated. "I might have looked up a few other things while I had classified access." He paused. "Things that would get me flagged, and that I wouldn't go near if I didn't know I was leaving the planet and never coming back."\\
"Damn, son," Ace said. "Ballsy. But I still don't see why we're going after the ''Atlas''."\\
''Because my father is still alive. I know it.'' "Because if they really were sabotaged by the Oblivion and attacked by their alien friends, they might be the only people in the UEF that would actually believe us."\\
"If any of them are alive. Didn't you see what those shapeshifters can do?" Ace asked.\\
Ben raised his prosthetic arm. "Yeah, I know what they can do."\\
"I just think it's risky."\\
"Where would you rather go?" Morgan asked.\\
Ace sat back, unhappy. "I don't know, man. I don't know."''
* Clint [=McCullough=]'s novel ''Nevada'' has several:
** After Meade discovers that his Uncle Charlie knew that Meade's wife was unfaithful (at least a year before Meade found out), he asks Charlie who the guy was:
--->''Charlie had been dreading the question, even more the answer. He hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "Damnit, I don't know!" His voice trailed off. "I don't know."''
** Meade has his rival at gunpoint, and wants to know how he got Meade's son David hooked on drugs.
--->''"I don't know! I don't know!" Tony Giuliano shouted in his terror.''
** Reese, Meade's son from a relationship with a woman who left him without telling him she was pregnant, has come back to see Meade (without letting Meade know he is Meade's son), and Smitty, one of Meade's closest friends who realized it as soon as he saw Reese, is trying to talk him into working for Meade, and that while Meade will feel blood ties, he'll never guess Reese is his son. Reese isn't so convinced:
--->''Stretching his long legs, Reese rested his head against the cushion. "I don't know, Smitty," he said, staring at the ceiling. "I just don't know.'"''
* In another of Creator/ArthurHailey's books, ''Overload'', Nimrod Goldman -- a vice president of Golden State Power and Light (a FictionalCounterpart of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company) -- has evidence that another executive -- a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice -- lied when he said he knew nothing about electric power theft, and probably was aware (although it can't be proven) that such thefts were occurring on a ranch his family owns. The head of the utility's Property Protection Department asks him if they are going to continue trying to keep the former Justice's name out of the newspapers as being potentially involved in thefts from his own employer:
-->''"I don't know." Nim sighed. "I simply don't know. And, in any case, it won't be my decision."''
* In ''Literature/RedPlanet'', the new headmaster at the only high school on Mars has posted an announcement on the bulletin board that all student rooms must be neat and orderly, and that inspections will be done weekly by him personally, instead of each floor monitor handling the issue. The change is not appreciated.
-->''"What's the idea? He must think this is a school of correction!"\\
Frank turned to one of the older students who had, until now, been monitor of their corridor. "Anderson! What do you think about it? Can he do that?" \\
"I don't know. I really don't know."''
* Creator/IsaacAsimov's "Literature/TheSecretSense": As Fields leaves the ''portwem'', Garth calls out to rub in the SenseLossSadness Fields is feeling by emphasizing Fields feels blind now.
-->"You entered a normal man! You leave blind--''blind''-BLIND."
* Happens by accident in ''Literature/TheStand''. Near the end, one character is asked, on the other side of TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt, if she believes whether "people ever learn anything". She says, "I don't know," then pauses. Creator/StephenKing spent a good month trying to come up with an answer, couldn't, and had her repeat herself.
* In ''Literature/TimeForTheStars'', Tom Bartlett -- an identical twin with his brother Pat -- has discovered through testing by the Long Range Foundation that [[TwinTelepathy they communicate telepathically]], and the foundation has offered them a lucrative contract as communication specialists, in which one will get to go in a spaceship to the stars to collect information about planets they reach while the other stays home. Tom is unhappy because Pat arranged to sign the contract last, making him the one who gets to go to space. Tom wonders to himself in his journal if Pat did this deliberately and whether he would have done so himself.
-->''Was Pat trying to put one over on me right then? If so, I didn't catch him wording his thoughts. Contrariwise, would I have tried the same thing on him if I had thought of it? I don't know, I just don't know.''
* In the ''Literature/WarriorCats'' book ''[[Recap/WarriorCatsTheDarkestHour The Darkest Hour]]'', Bramblepaw asks Firestar whether Sorrelkit, who has just eaten poisonous berries, will survive.
-->''Firestar let out a long breath. "I don't know, Bramblepaw," he admitted. "I just don't know."''
** Alan Maitland is lawyer for Henri Duval, who is a stowaway on a freighter who has no papers, and thus, no country will admit him. Maitland has been trying to find a way to allow Henri to be admitted to Canada. Dan Orliffe, a local reporter covering the story, mentions that Prime Minister Howden will be arriving in town and that his newspaper could arrange for Maitland to meet him. As desperate as Maitland is to get Henri admitted, he's not sure if he should.
--->''Dan Orliffe's face had a studied earnestness. "Everybody has an angle, but you and I would be helping each other, and Duval too. Besides, with that kind of advance publicity Howden wouldn't dare refuse."\\
"I don't know, I just don't know." Standing up, tiredly, Alan thought, what was the point of it all?''
** Brian Richardson, the manager of the Political Party who the Prime Minister of Canada belongs to, has asked the Prime Minister's secretary, Millie, to marry him. She's not sure if it will work.
--->''"If only it were that simple," Millie sighed.\\
He said defiantly, "We can make it that simple."\\
Unhappily she answered, "Brian, darling, I don't know. Honestly, I don't know."\\
''Or do I know?'' she thought.''
* In ''[[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y8RK2QT?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=dbs_s_ks_series_rwt_tkin&qid=1699590881&sr=1-1 Lost Mission]]'', the first book of Daniel Young and Joshua James' nine-volume ''Oblivion'' series, a group of discredited ex-police and ex-military members has discovered that a death-worshipping religious cult named the Oblivion has shapeshifters disguised as people so they can fit in, either massacring dozens or hundreds at a time or committing suicide bombings that the shapeshifters themselves will not be killed by, allowing them to then go on to kill more people. This discovery (plus the things they did to find out) has made their group wanted fugitives. Worse, the people they're going to rendezvous with off-world are untrustworthy and will probably come after them too, so they have nowhere to go. Ben gives the other members of the group an excuse as to why they should go on a search mission to find the military ship captained by his father, which has gone missing:
-->''He looked at Ace, then at Morgan, wondering if either of them would guess what he was about to say. "We can go find the ''Atlas.''"\\
"Those coordinates are classified," Morgan said. \\
Ben hesitated. "I might have looked up a few other things while I had classified access." He paused. "Things that would get me flagged, and that I wouldn't go near if I didn't know I was leaving the planet and never coming back."\\
"Damn, son," Ace said. "Ballsy. But I still don't see why we're going after the ''Atlas''."\\
''Because my father is still alive. I know it.'' "Because if they really were sabotaged by the Oblivion and attacked by their alien friends, they might be the only people in the UEF that would actually believe us."\\
"If any of them are alive. Didn't you see what those shapeshifters can do?" Ace asked.\\
Ben raised his prosthetic arm. "Yeah, I know what they can do."\\
"I just think it's risky."\\
"Where would you rather go?" Morgan asked.\\
Ace sat back, unhappy. "I don't know, man. I don't know."''
* Clint [=McCullough=]'s novel ''Nevada'' has several:
** After Meade discovers that his Uncle Charlie knew that Meade's wife was unfaithful (at least a year before Meade found out), he asks Charlie who the guy was:
--->''Charlie had been dreading the question, even more the answer. He hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, "Damnit, I don't know!" His voice trailed off. "I don't know."''
** Meade has his rival at gunpoint, and wants to know how he got Meade's son David hooked on drugs.
--->''"I don't know! I don't know!" Tony Giuliano shouted in his terror.''
** Reese, Meade's son from a relationship with a woman who left him without telling him she was pregnant, has come back to see Meade (without letting Meade know he is Meade's son), and Smitty, one of Meade's closest friends who realized it as soon as he saw Reese, is trying to talk him into working for Meade, and that while Meade will feel blood ties, he'll never guess Reese is his son. Reese isn't so convinced:
--->''Stretching his long legs, Reese rested his head against the cushion. "I don't know, Smitty," he said, staring at the ceiling. "I just don't know.'"''
* In another of Creator/ArthurHailey's books, ''Overload'', Nimrod Goldman -- a vice president of Golden State Power and Light (a FictionalCounterpart of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company) -- has evidence that another executive -- a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice -- lied when he said he knew nothing about electric power theft, and probably was aware (although it can't be proven) that such thefts were occurring on a ranch his family owns. The head of the utility's Property Protection Department asks him if they are going to continue trying to keep the former Justice's name out of the newspapers as being potentially involved in thefts from his own employer:
-->''"I don't know." Nim sighed. "I simply don't know. And, in any case, it won't be my decision."''
* In ''Literature/RedPlanet'', the new headmaster at the only high school on Mars has posted an announcement on the bulletin board that all student rooms must be neat and orderly, and that inspections will be done weekly by him personally, instead of each floor monitor handling the issue. The change is not appreciated.
-->''"What's the idea? He must think this is a school of correction!"\\
Frank turned to one of the older students who had, until now, been monitor of their corridor. "Anderson! What do you think about it? Can he do that?" \\
"I don't know. I really don't know."''
* Creator/IsaacAsimov's "Literature/TheSecretSense": As Fields leaves the ''portwem'', Garth calls out to rub in the SenseLossSadness Fields is feeling by emphasizing Fields feels blind now.
-->"You entered a normal man! You leave blind--''blind''-BLIND."
* Happens by accident in ''Literature/TheStand''. Near the end, one character is asked, on the other side of TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt, if she believes whether "people ever learn anything". She says, "I don't know," then pauses. Creator/StephenKing spent a good month trying to come up with an answer, couldn't, and had her repeat herself.
* In ''Literature/TimeForTheStars'', Tom Bartlett -- an identical twin with his brother Pat -- has discovered through testing by the Long Range Foundation that [[TwinTelepathy they communicate telepathically]], and the foundation has offered them a lucrative contract as communication specialists, in which one will get to go in a spaceship to the stars to collect information about planets they reach while the other stays home. Tom is unhappy because Pat arranged to sign the contract last, making him the one who gets to go to space. Tom wonders to himself in his journal if Pat did this deliberately and whether he would have done so himself.
-->''Was Pat trying to put one over on me right then? If so, I didn't catch him wording his thoughts. Contrariwise, would I have tried the same thing on him if I had thought of it? I don't know, I just don't know.''
* In the ''Literature/WarriorCats'' book ''[[Recap/WarriorCatsTheDarkestHour The Darkest Hour]]'', Bramblepaw asks Firestar whether Sorrelkit, who has just eaten poisonous berries, will survive.
-->''Firestar let out a long breath. "I don't know, Bramblepaw," he admitted. "I just don't know."''
Changed line(s) 49,52 (click to see context) from:
* One sketch inside ''Series/ElChapulinColorado'' had a man recounting how he was discussing with his son about waiting for marriage. And he kept repeating several words twice to emphasize how heated the conversation was. But he then said at the end he decided to give up, since [[HypocriticalHumour he doesn't like to just repeat everything]].
* Josh from ''Series/DrakeAndJosh'' does this regularly as something of a VerbalTic.
* The Sixth Doctor in ''Series/DoctorWho'' has a habit of repeating something someone else (usually Peri) said in increasingly dramatic and questioning tones, to demonstrate his disdain for it.
* ''Series/{{Mahabharata}}'': People tend to do this ''a lot'' in the television adaptation of the epic. ''A lot''
* Josh from ''Series/DrakeAndJosh'' does this regularly as something of a VerbalTic.
* The Sixth Doctor in ''Series/DoctorWho'' has a habit of repeating something someone else (usually Peri) said in increasingly dramatic and questioning tones, to demonstrate his disdain for it.
* ''Series/{{Mahabharata}}'': People tend to do this ''a lot'' in the television adaptation of the epic. ''A lot''
to:
* One ''Series/BabylonFive'':
-->'''Ivanova:''' I've always had trouble getting up when it's dark outside.\\
'''Sinclair:''' But in space, it's always dark.\\
'''Ivanova:''' I know. ''[softly]'' I know.
* In ''Series/BandOfBrothers'', when Easy Company advances into Foy and Lieutenant Dike completely loses his cool, he's surrounded by subordinates demanding to know, "What are your orders, sir?" and wails back, "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!"
* ''Series/{{Bosch}}'': In the episode "[[Recap/BoschS3E05 Blood Under the Bridge]]", Robertson (who is investigating the Gunn murder) talks to Edgar. He first states that he thinks Bosch is being framed. He next says that maybe, to put heat on someone else, Bosch is framing himself. Edgar shuts him down with "Never." Robertson says to him, "You don't know, youngblood, you don't know."
* The theme song of ''Series/CornerGas'' goes, in part: "I don't know, the same things you don't know. I don't know, I just don't know."
* In ''Series/HillStreetBlues'' Season 3, Episode 11, "No Body's Perfect," Nate, a trainee police officer, is talking to his partner who has had years in the precinct, after a harrowing pursuit including where the perpetrator held Nate hostage before Nate knocked him down and captured him, about is misgivings.
--> '''Nate''': I don't think I'm cut out to be a police officer. I'm gonna quit.
--> '''Bobby''': That's up to you, Nate. But if you do, don't do it because you think you're a coward. There's all kinds of bravery, brother, and you're showing me a lot of it right now.
--> '''Nate''': I don't know, I just don't know.
* {{Parodied|Trope}} in the "Killer Sheep" sketchinside ''Series/ElChapulinColorado'' had of ''Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus'' by having a man recounting how he was discussing with scientist ramble "I just don't know. I really just don't know. I'm afraid I really just don't know," [[OverlyLongGag and so on]].
* In ''Series/{{Revolution}}'', a guy has a {{mook|s}} on a table and asks him where his sonabout waiting for marriage. And he kept repeating is. "I don't know. I swear I don't know." The mook makes several words promises, but still can't tell the man where his son is. The man says "Okay", then gives the mook a lethal injection.
* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekS2E24TheUltimateComputer The Ultimate Computer]]", when it becomes evident that the M-5 computer is [[AIIsACrapshoot dangerously out of control]]:
-->'''Daystrom:''' I really don't know how to get to the M-5, Kirk. I really... do not know.
* A sample exchange from the ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E8TheBattle The Battle]]":
-->'''Beverly:''' You had no choice.\\
'''Picard:''' Didn't I? I don't know anymore... I just don't know.
* In the Season 8 finale of ''Series/{{Suits}}'', Thomas, a furniture manufacturer owner (and Donna's current love interest) has a handshake agreement to sell furniture to all of a real estate client's shopping malls, [[spoiler: is going to betray Thomas' company by using them as a stalking horse for getting better terms from a competing manufacturer]]. Donna, not knowing what has happened, sees Harvey's face and queries him. He admits what is happening but asks her to wait while he tries to arrange a replacement deal. Donna goes on her date, and Thomas tells her about how he got a really sweet deal from his current landlord, but this offer is only good until noon tomorrow. Worried he might get no deal at all, Donna tells him what's happening. He immediately takes the current offer and puts out a press release. The mall company is going to sue them for violating privilege. Louis wants to know how this happened:
-->'''Louis''': Why couldn't Donna just wait for you? \\
'''Harvey''': I don't know, Louis, I just don't know.
* In the ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' episode "[[Recap/SupernaturalS02E21AllHellBreaksLoosePartOne All Hell Breaks Loose, Part One]]", Sam replies twice with "I don't know" when Andy asks him where they are.
* ''Series/WandaVision'': A {{justified|Trope}} version, as they're answers toemphasize how heated multiple questions about which there is insufficient information.
-->'''Hayward:''' ''[regarding theconversation was. But he then said at the end he decided to give up, since [[HypocriticalHumour he doesn't like to just repeat everything]].
* Josh from ''Series/DrakeAndJosh'' does this regularly as something of a VerbalTic.
* The Sixth DoctorTV broadcast]'' Is it happening in ''Series/DoctorWho'' has a habit of repeating something someone else (usually Peri) said in increasingly dramatic real time? Is it recorded, fabricated?\\
'''Darcy:''' [[TheTriple I don't know, I don't know, andquestioning tones, to demonstrate his disdain for it.
* ''Series/{{Mahabharata}}'': People tend to do this ''a lot'' in the television adaptation of the epic. ''A lot''I don't know]].
-->'''Ivanova:''' I've always had trouble getting up when it's dark outside.\\
'''Sinclair:''' But in space, it's always dark.\\
'''Ivanova:''' I know. ''[softly]'' I know.
* In ''Series/BandOfBrothers'', when Easy Company advances into Foy and Lieutenant Dike completely loses his cool, he's surrounded by subordinates demanding to know, "What are your orders, sir?" and wails back, "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know!"
* ''Series/{{Bosch}}'': In the episode "[[Recap/BoschS3E05 Blood Under the Bridge]]", Robertson (who is investigating the Gunn murder) talks to Edgar. He first states that he thinks Bosch is being framed. He next says that maybe, to put heat on someone else, Bosch is framing himself. Edgar shuts him down with "Never." Robertson says to him, "You don't know, youngblood, you don't know."
* The theme song of ''Series/CornerGas'' goes, in part: "I don't know, the same things you don't know. I don't know, I just don't know."
* In ''Series/HillStreetBlues'' Season 3, Episode 11, "No Body's Perfect," Nate, a trainee police officer, is talking to his partner who has had years in the precinct, after a harrowing pursuit including where the perpetrator held Nate hostage before Nate knocked him down and captured him, about is misgivings.
--> '''Nate''': I don't think I'm cut out to be a police officer. I'm gonna quit.
--> '''Bobby''': That's up to you, Nate. But if you do, don't do it because you think you're a coward. There's all kinds of bravery, brother, and you're showing me a lot of it right now.
--> '''Nate''': I don't know, I just don't know.
* {{Parodied|Trope}} in the "Killer Sheep" sketch
* In ''Series/{{Revolution}}'', a guy has a {{mook|s}} on a table and asks him where his son
* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekS2E24TheUltimateComputer The Ultimate Computer]]", when it becomes evident that the M-5 computer is [[AIIsACrapshoot dangerously out of control]]:
-->'''Daystrom:''' I really don't know how to get to the M-5, Kirk. I really... do not know.
* A sample exchange from the ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E8TheBattle The Battle]]":
-->'''Beverly:''' You had no choice.\\
'''Picard:''' Didn't I? I don't know anymore... I just don't know.
* In the Season 8 finale of ''Series/{{Suits}}'', Thomas, a furniture manufacturer owner (and Donna's current love interest) has a handshake agreement to sell furniture to all of a real estate client's shopping malls, [[spoiler: is going to betray Thomas' company by using them as a stalking horse for getting better terms from a competing manufacturer]]. Donna, not knowing what has happened, sees Harvey's face and queries him. He admits what is happening but asks her to wait while he tries to arrange a replacement deal. Donna goes on her date, and Thomas tells her about how he got a really sweet deal from his current landlord, but this offer is only good until noon tomorrow. Worried he might get no deal at all, Donna tells him what's happening. He immediately takes the current offer and puts out a press release. The mall company is going to sue them for violating privilege. Louis wants to know how this happened:
-->'''Louis''': Why couldn't Donna just wait for you? \\
'''Harvey''': I don't know, Louis, I just don't know.
* In the ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'' episode "[[Recap/SupernaturalS02E21AllHellBreaksLoosePartOne All Hell Breaks Loose, Part One]]", Sam replies twice with "I don't know" when Andy asks him where they are.
* ''Series/WandaVision'': A {{justified|Trope}} version, as they're answers to
-->'''Hayward:''' ''[regarding the
* Josh from ''Series/DrakeAndJosh'' does this regularly as something of a VerbalTic.
* The Sixth Doctor
'''Darcy:''' [[TheTriple I don't know, I don't know, and
* ''Series/{{Mahabharata}}'': People tend to do this ''a lot'' in the television adaptation of the epic. ''A lot''
Changed line(s) 55,56 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' has a dialogue where an [[SpaceElf Eldar]] talks down to a human, telling him that they (the Eldar) once had the power to move the stars themselves however it pleased them. The human replies, "[[VestigialEmpire Once.]]"
* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' has a dialogue where an [[SpaceElf Eldar]] talks down to a human, telling him that they (the Eldar) once had the power to move the stars themselves however it pleased them. The human replies, "[[VestigialEmpire Once.]]"
to:
*
* The chorus of Music/{{Kasabian}}'s "Where Did All the
-->''Where did all the
I don't know, I don't know''
* Shows up in the Music/StevieWonder song "Lately", which is about the period between an affair and the resulting breakup.
-->''Far more frequently you're wearing perfume\\
With, you say, no special place to go\\
But when I ask "Will you be coming back soon?"\\
You don't know, never know...''
Changed line(s) 58,63 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/PrayerOfTheFaithless'': When talking about HeroicSacrifice after meeting Mia again:
--> This "noble sacrifice" crap people love to spew out makes me sick. I tried to do that once. Once. Never again.
* ''VideoGame/AVeryLongRopeToTheTopOfTheSky'': Judd pitching his latest final tier of wares:
--> This new stuff will protect you from anything. ANYTHING.
to:
*
--> This "noble sacrifice" crap people love
* Josh from ''Series/DrakeAndJosh'' does this regularly as something of a VerbalTic.
* The Sixth Doctor in ''Series/DoctorWho'' has a habit of repeating something someone else (usually Peri) said in increasingly dramatic and questioning tones, to demonstrate his disdain for it.
* ''Series/{{Mahabharata}}'': People tend to do
* ''VideoGame/AVeryLongRopeToTheTopOfTheSky'': Judd pitching his latest final tier
--> This new stuff will protect you from anything. ANYTHING.
Changed line(s) 66,67 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Visual Novels]]
* ''VisualNovel/MurderByNumbers2020'': In Case 1, after getting Becky and John arguing, Honor repeats "Almost" after saying she "Almost feels sorry" for getting her into an argument.
* ''VisualNovel/MurderByNumbers2020'': In Case 1, after getting Becky and John arguing, Honor repeats "Almost" after saying she "Almost feels sorry" for getting her into an argument.
to:
*
Changed line(s) 70,71 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Web Video]]
* ''WebVideo/StopmotionChess'': {{Parodied}} with the "legendary" word in the DistantPrologue text.
* ''WebVideo/StopmotionChess'': {{Parodied}} with the "legendary" word in the DistantPrologue text.
to:
*
--> This "noble sacrifice" crap people love to spew out makes me sick. I tried to do that once. Once. Never again.
* ''VideoGame/AVeryLongRopeToTheTopOfTheSky'': Judd pitching his latest final tier of wares:
--> This new stuff will protect you from anything. ANYTHING.
Changed line(s) 74,75 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Real Life]]
* Legend has it that when Philip II sent the message "If I enter Laconia, I will raze Sparta", the Spartans sent a one-word reply: "If". Philip left them alone.
* Legend has it that when Philip II sent the message "If I enter Laconia, I will raze Sparta", the Spartans sent a one-word reply: "If". Philip left them alone.
to:
*
Added DiffLines:
[[folder:Web Video]]
* ''WebVideo/StopmotionChess'': {{Parodied}} with the "legendary" word in the DistantPrologue text.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'': After failing to get the cast of the play to focus, Charlie Brown is sent out to get a Christmas tree for the play. As he walks out the door with Linus, Charlie Brown says "I don't know, Linus. I just don't know."
* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'', Amy and Hermes after watching ''[[ShowWithinAShow All My Circuits]]'':
-->'''Amy:''' Do you think Calculon's EvilTwin will ever walk again?\\
'''Hermes:''' I don't know, Amy. I just don't know.
* In the ''WesternAnimation/JonnyQuest'' episode "The Robot Spy", Doctor Quest is puzzled by the appearance of the titular device in its hidden form.
-->'''Jonny:''' What is it, Dad?\\
'''Dr. Quest:''' I don't know, Jonny, I really don't know!
* ''WesternAnimation/RobotChicken'': In the final sketch of "Some Like It Hitman", which gives an explanation for the absence of [[ComicBook/DisneyDucksComicUniverse Della Duck]], Donald's nephews ask him when they can see their mother again.
-->'''Donald:''' I don't know, boys. I just don't know.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Real Life]]
* Legend has it that when Philip II sent the message "If I enter Laconia, I will raze Sparta", the Spartans sent a one-word reply: "If". Philip left them alone.
[[/folder]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Readjusting description to account for repetition of multiple words, per TRS
.
.Changed line(s) 4,7 (click to see context) from:
During a dialogue or monologue, one speaker's line has a single word repeated for dramatic effect, either by the same person (to emphasize his point) or by the other (to undermine said point).
Compare DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment, where an item is listed repeatedly for comic effect; ParrotExposition, where multiple characters utter the same word or phrase for similar reasons; IronicEcho, for the entire sentence; RepeatToConfirm, where a character repeats an order to ensure that it's properly understood; {{Anaphora}} and {{Epiphora}} for the repetition of the start or end of a sentence / phrase; {{Symploce}} which is the repetition of more than one word; and AgainWithFeeling, where the repetition underlines a realization instead of emphasizing a point. See also OneLinerNameOneLiner.
Compare DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment, where an item is listed repeatedly for comic effect; ParrotExposition, where multiple characters utter the same word or phrase for similar reasons; IronicEcho, for the entire sentence; RepeatToConfirm, where a character repeats an order to ensure that it's properly understood; {{Anaphora}} and {{Epiphora}} for the repetition of the start or end of a sentence / phrase; {{Symploce}} which is the repetition of more than one word; and AgainWithFeeling, where the repetition underlines a realization instead of emphasizing a point. See also OneLinerNameOneLiner.
to:
During a dialogue or monologue, one speaker's line has a single word or phrase repeated for dramatic effect, either by the same person (to emphasize his point) or by the other (to undermine said point).
Compare DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment, where an item is listed repeatedly for comic effect; ParrotExposition, where multiple characters utter the same word or phrase for similar reasons; IronicEcho, for the entire sentence; RepeatToConfirm, where a character repeats an order to ensure that it's properly understood; {{Anaphora}} and {{Epiphora}} for the repetition of the start or end of a sentence / phrase; {{Symploce}} which is the repetition of more than one word; and AgainWithFeeling, where the repetition underlines a realization instead of emphasizing apoint. See also OneLinerNameOneLiner.
point.
Compare DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment, where an item is listed repeatedly for comic effect; ParrotExposition, where multiple characters utter the same word or phrase for similar reasons; IronicEcho, for the entire sentence; RepeatToConfirm, where a character repeats an order to ensure that it's properly understood; {{Anaphora}} and {{Epiphora}} for the repetition of the start or end of a sentence / phrase; {{Symploce}} which is the repetition of more than one word; and AgainWithFeeling, where the repetition underlines a realization instead of emphasizing a
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Changed line(s) 39 (click to see context) from:
* "First rule of Film/FightClub is you do not talk about Fight Club. Second rule of Fight Club is '''''you do not talk about Fight Club'''''.
to:
* "First rule of Film/FightClub is you do not talk about Fight Club. Second rule of Fight Club is '''''you do not talk about Fight Club'''''."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 24,25 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Film]]
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
to:
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
Added DiffLines:
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film - Live-Action]]
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
[[folder:Film - Live-Action]]
* ''Film/PacificRim'' has Hannibal Chau say "I went into a public shelter once." He then takes off his shades, revealing a very nasty scar. "''Once.''"
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/PrayerOfTheFaithless'': When talking about HeroicSacrifice after meeting Mia again:
--> This "noble sacrifice" crap people love to spew out makes me sick. I tried to do that once. Once. Never again.
--> This "noble sacrifice" crap people love to spew out makes me sick. I tried to do that once. Once. Never again.
