Picture this: You’re in a meeting, dropping wisdom like Oprah on a TED stage, and suddenly, he interrupts. You know the one. The guy who explains your own idea back to you like you’re a toddler hearing about fire for the first time. Yep, classic mansplaining, the unsolicited, unnecessary, and often infuriating phenomenon that working women know all too well.
But don’t worry. You don’t have to sit there, nodding politely while rage simmers under your professional demeanor. Instead, arm yourself with these 10 genius ways to shut down a mansplainer, gracefully, efficiently, and with just the right amount of sass.
1. The “Oh, Did You Mean What I Just Said?” Trick
Next time a guy hijacks your point and regurgitates it as if he discovered gravity, respond with a sweet (but deadly) “That’s exactly what I just said! Great to know we’re on the same page.”
Bonus: Say it with a big, knowing smile. Nothing confuses a mansplainer more than a woman who won’t let him get away with it.
2. Interrupt Right Back (Like a Boss)
If he interrupts you mid-sentence, don’t stop. Just keep talking right over him.
If that feels too aggressive, try this: “Hold on, let me finish my thought.”
It’s firm. It’s polite. And it reminds him that, shockingly, you also have a voice.
3. Feign Extreme Confusion
Tilt your head, furrow your brow, and hit him with a puzzled “Wait, are you explaining [basic concept] to me? That’s adorable.”
Optional follow-up: “Let me know if you’d like me to explain it back!”
4. Use the “Repeat After Me” Technique
If he rephrases your point as his own, turn to the group and say: “Oh wow, [mansplainer’s name] just repeated exactly what I said. It’s nice to hear my point again!”
Group laughter: Mansplainer silenced:
5. Throw in a “Fun Fact”
For the mansplainer who insists on explaining your job to you, hit back with “Oh, that’s interesting! I actually [studied this for years/am the lead on this project/have 10 years of experience in this field]. But go on!”
Watch him short-circuit.
6. Weaponize Silence
Sometimes, the best shutdown is no response at all. Just stare at him. Unblinking. Unimpressed. Let the awkward silence do the work.
Silence: 1 | Mansplainer: 0
7. Get the Allies Involved
If a male colleague sees the mansplaining in action, loop them in: “Hey [male ally], didn’t I just say that? What do you think?”
When another man confirms your point, the mansplainer often retreats faster than a bad Tinder date.
8. Ask for More “Expertise”
Lean in and say, “Wow, you clearly know so much about this! Can you explain it in even simpler terms? Like you would to a five-year-old?”
If he takes the bait, enjoy the sheer irony. If he realizes he’s been played, enjoy that too.
9. Play the “Impressed, But Not Really” Card
A well-timed “Wow, you’re really passionate about this!” is the verbal equivalent of a pat on the head. It acknowledges him without feeding his ego.
Extra points if you follow it up with “…Anyway, as I was saying…”
10. End with “Let’s Circle Back”
For persistent offenders, shut it down with a classic corporate mic drop:
“That’s an interesting perspective. Let’s circle back to my original point.”
Because at the end of the day, you’re the one with the actual value to bring to the table.
Ready to Take Back the Room?
Mansplaining is annoying, yes. But with the right mix of wit, confidence, and just enough sass, you can shut it down without breaking a sweat.
So, which of these tricks are you trying at your next meeting? Or do you have a go-to mansplainer shutdown move? Drop it in the comments and let’s compare notes!