it's not serious; it doesn't matter; no problem
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesadjective/adverbial phrase
it's not serious; it's okay; doesn't matter
informalUsed to reassure someone that a situation is not serious or to downplay a problem. Often used as a response to an apology or concern.
This illness is not serious, a bit of medicine will fix it.
The road being far is no problem, we'll arrange a car to take you back.
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A: Sorry I'm late. B: It doesn't matter, we just got here too.
It's just a small mistake, it's nothing serious.
adverbial phrase
superficially it doesn't matter/seem serious (but...); seems harmless (but leads to a consequence)
informalUsed to introduce a statement where an action, while seemingly minor or harmless, actually causes an unintended or negative consequence. Marks a contrast between appearance and result.
Your yelling might seem harmless, but it woke everyone up.
He made a joke, seemingly no big deal, but ended up making the little girl cry.
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You being a bit late might not seem like a problem, but it threw the whole meeting into disarray.