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whether
not know whether one is coming or going
To be in a state of utter confusion or chaos. There are so many things going on at once these days that I don't know whether I'm coming or going!
don't know whether to eat it or rub it on
Rur. do not know what to do with something. (Used to describe a kind of food one does not recognize or that looks unusual.) (Also with doesn't. Don't used with all persons is folksy.) That sure was a fancy dessert Mary served. I didn't know whether to eat it or rub it on. What kind of sauce is this? I don't know whether to eat it or rub it on!
not know whether one is coming or going and not know if one is coming or going
Fig. to be very confused. I'm so busy that I don't know if I'm coming or going. You look as if you don't know whether you're coming or going.
whether or not
either if something is the case or if something is not the case; one way or the other. I'll drive to New York tomorrow whether or not it rains. I'm going to the mall whether you come with me or not.
not know whether to laugh or cry
to be very upset by something ridiculous When they announced that my flight was delayed for ten hours, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
whether or not
if something does or does not happen
Whether or not she wins the championship, she'll still be one of the best swimmers we've ever had in the school. Usage notes: often used in the form whether something or not: Whether you like it or not, I'm taking the car tonight.
not know if/whether you are coming or going
to be unable to think clearly and decide what to do because you have so many things to deal with I had so much to do yesterday that I didn't know whether I was coming or going. The recent changes in the school curriculum mean that most teachers don't know if they're coming or going.
not know whether to laugh or cry
to be extremely upset by something bad that has happened Then they announced that my flight was delayed for ten hours. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
not know whether one is coming or going
whether or not
Also, whether or no. Regardless of whether, no matter if. For example, Whether or not it rains, we're going to walk to the theater, or She plans to sing at the wedding, whether or no anyone asks her to. The negative element in these constructions may also follow the subject and verb, as in I have to attend, whether I want to or not. [c. 1600]
whether or no
Regardless of circumstances.