Don't be cute with me.
Hello,

In the context of the conversation below, how do we understand the first one, 'don't be cute with me'. Kate, here, was just promoted to a regional manager and had a chance to meet her new boss who says then as below.

"Kate, don't be cute with me. You have a talent. You own it"

Thank you for your answer.

Dan

Question

Don't be cute with me.
Hello,

In the context of the conversation below, how do we understand the first one, 'don't be cute with me'. Kate, here, was just promoted to a regional manager and had a chance to meet her new boss who says then as below.

"Kate, don't be cute with me. You have a talent. You own it"

Thank you for your answer.

Dan

Answer

To 'get cute with' means to act clever in a way that shows a lack of respect or honesty.
So in this context "Kate, don't be cute with me. You have a talent. You own it"
is like saying  "Kate, don't pretend to be oblivious with me. You have a talent. You own it"

"don't pretend to be oblivious"
Does this make sense?
I hope this helps.

Answer

I would interpret it as being clever {answering back} , sarcastic, cocky, arrogant to a certain extent.

Answers · 4

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