If Someone Uses These 9 Phrases, They May Think They’re Better Than You

Have you ever talked to someone who made you feel small without saying anything directly mean?

Some people use certain phrases that sound polite on the surface but actually reveal they think they’re smarter or more important than everyone else.

Recognizing these expressions can help you spot arrogance and protect your self-esteem in conversations.

1. “Obviously…”

Starting a sentence with this word can make listeners feel foolish, as if they should have known the information already.

When someone uses it frequently, they’re suggesting that what they’re explaining is so simple that anyone with basic intelligence would understand.

The problem is that not everyone has the same knowledge or experience.

What seems clear to one person might be completely new to another.

Instead of creating understanding, this phrase builds walls between people.

Truly confident individuals explain things without making others feel inferior for not knowing.

2. “I already knew that.”

You’re excited to share something interesting you learned, and someone immediately shuts you down with these four words.

Rather than engaging in conversation, they’re announcing their superiority.

This phrase stops discussions cold and sends a clear message that they consider themselves above learning from others.

It dismisses your contribution as worthless since they’ve already acquired that knowledge.

People who genuinely value relationships respond with curiosity and appreciation, even when information isn’t new to them.

They understand that conversations aren’t competitions about who knows more.

3. “It’s common sense.”

Did you know that what counts as common sense varies dramatically based on background, culture, and personal experience?

Yet some people wield this phrase like a weapon to shame others for not understanding something immediately.

By labeling information as common sense, they’re implying that anyone who doesn’t grasp it lacks basic intelligence.

This creates unnecessary embarrassment and discourages people from asking important questions.

Real wisdom recognizes that knowledge comes from many different sources and experiences.

Humble individuals explain concepts without making others feel stupid for needing clarification or guidance along the way.

4. “Not to brag, but…”

Whenever someone starts with this disclaimer, prepare yourself for exactly what they claim they’re not doing—bragging.

It’s a transparent attempt to boast while pretending to be modest.

The phrase signals that they want everyone to acknowledge their accomplishments and superiority.

They’re essentially saying their achievements are so impressive that they simply must share them, even though they know it sounds conceited.

Genuinely accomplished people don’t need to announce their successes constantly or preface them with false modesty.

Their achievements speak for themselves through their actions, not through carefully disguised self-promotion in casual conversations.

5. “I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”

Few phrases communicate superiority more clearly than this dismissive statement.

It positions the speaker as intellectually or emotionally advanced while framing you as incapable of grasping complex ideas.

Rather than attempting to explain or bridge the gap in understanding, they simply write you off.

This creates distance and establishes a hierarchy where they occupy the higher position.

Respectful communicators believe in people’s ability to learn and grow.

They take time to explain difficult concepts and meet others where they are, recognizing that everyone has different strengths and areas of expertise worth respecting.

6. “I don’t have time for this.”

Everyone’s busy, but some people use this phrase to suggest their time is precious while yours is worthless.

It’s a power move designed to end conversations on their terms.

When someone says this, they’re essentially declaring that whatever you need to discuss doesn’t meet their standards of importance.

Your concerns, questions, or ideas are being labeled as beneath their attention.

People who value others find ways to communicate time constraints respectfully.

They might say they need to continue the conversation later or help find another solution, rather than dismissing you entirely with such arrogance.

7. “I never have a problem with that.”

When you share a struggle and someone responds with this phrase, they’re not offering support—they’re highlighting their superiority.

They’re suggesting that your difficulties stem from personal inadequacy rather than genuine challenges.

This response completely invalidates your experience and frames their supposed perfection as the standard everyone should meet.

It’s competitive rather than compassionate.

Empathetic people recognize that everyone faces different obstacles and has varying strengths.

They offer encouragement or advice instead of using your vulnerability as an opportunity to showcase how much better they handle similar situations in their lives.

8. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but…”

This isn’t really an apology—it’s a dismissal disguised as sympathy.

The phrase pretends to acknowledge your feelings while completely invalidating them with whatever follows the word “but.”

They’re essentially saying your emotional response is your problem, not something they need to consider seriously.

It positions their perspective as objective truth while treating your feelings as irrational or misguided.

Authentic apologies don’t include “but” followed by justifications or contradictions.

People who respect others validate feelings even when they disagree, creating space for genuine dialogue rather than establishing themselves as the ultimate authority on reality.

9. “No offense, but…”

Buckle up, because whenever someone uses this phrase, something offensive is definitely coming next.

It’s a preemptive shield they use to avoid responsibility for hurtful words.

By saying “no offense,” they’re attempting to absolve themselves of any negative consequences while still delivering criticism or condescension.

They want permission to insult you without facing backlash.

Kind people choose their words carefully and don’t need disclaimers before speaking.

They understand that prefacing a statement this way actually makes it worse, signaling that they know they’re about to cross a line but plan to do it anyway.