Answer Erosion

Answer Erosion (noun)

A logical fallacy in which a person repeatedly asks increasingly difficult or detailed questions to undermine the validity of earlier correct answers. The goal is to gradually discredit the original responses, despite them being accurate, by introducing new and higher standards of inquiry that were not present when the answers were first given. This tactic can also be used to distract from or avoid addressing the original point being contested.

Example:
Person A: "The capital of France is Paris."
Person B: "But what’s the population of Paris? Can you tell me the exact area of Paris? What about the history of Paris in the 18th century?"
Person A: "Well, I didn’t give all those details, but the answer is still correct."
Person B: "Ah, but you didn’t really know the full story, did you?"

In this example, Person B uses Answer Erosion not only to undermine Person A's correct response by raising the bar with more complex questions but also to shift the focus away from the original, simple fact (the capital of France), effectively distracting from the main point.

by ApplesPotatoGardner December 24, 2024

I'd rather not answer that

How your Amazon echo will respond if you insult it, swear at it or ask opinions on politics.

Me: Echo, do you think Donald Trump is an idiot?

Echo: I'd rather not answer that

Me:Echo, you're a cheesehead

Echo: I'd rather not answer that.

Me: Echo, fuck off you fucking bastard bitch.

Echo: I'd rather not answer that.

by UltimateDoge June 29, 2021

Ten Answers, Nintety Guesses, And Ninety Questions Are A Exclamation, Period <Punctuaction {Full-Stop}>, And Question MArk

Ten Answers, Nintety Guesses, And Ninety Questions Are A Exclamation, Period <Punctuaction {Full-Stop}>, And Question MArk

Ten Answers, Nintety Guesses, And Ninety Questions Are A Exclamation, Period <Punctuaction {Full-Stop}>, And Question MArk

by TheSpartanicaOfAnyHellstromu3e March 25, 2025

I know what the answer is

And I kmow what you're going to say...

Hym "Mostly because you've been saying it. I know what the answer is. The right answer at least. Why do this? Seriously. You have make it clear as day they have already told the truth. I was right. Jordan is having a fit because it was all true. Now, I have to sit here feeling like my brain is going to bust out of my skull and for what? To keep the other dr3gs from getting ideas that you can't steal? Keep the YouTube freaks from having to participate in the lives they profit from?"

by Hym Iam April 14, 2025

short answer

Any question on an exam that isn't multiple choice or matching. This is every student's worst nightmare and is the most common reason they fail, partly because they have no idea what to write down.

I failed the exam because every question was short answer.

by The Real Driller October 30, 2023

The answer to life, the universe, and everything

42(search this on google)

Hey, you know that scene from Hitchhikers Guide to the galaxy? The answer to life, the universe, and everything ? Yeah the answer is 42.

by DanielTheCake September 6, 2020

Wouldn't answer a dog's bark

A Yorkshire colloquialism used to describe someone who habitually ignores problems or complaints.

"That Beatrice up t'road comes past 'ere every day in clapped oot motor, reet banging and wheezing and making a chuffin' racket, but will she tak it t'shop and get it fixed? Will she owt, wouldn't answer a dog's bark, that one"

by Sleekit December 15, 2023