"I don't know."
I don't know -- --can be taken as a sign of nonchalant ambivalence or of true un-knowledge. The phrase bothers me immensely particularly when I know that it's employed for the sake of ease. Rather than explaining what or where something is, "I don't know" replaces an extended side of conversation and deems the preceding question insignificant, thereby making life slightly more difficult for the asker. It can also suggest an un-caring or indifference. Both cases are demonstrated below: A, while driving: What time does that place close? B, while on smartphone: I don't know. A: What do you want to do? B: I don't know. What about you? A: I don't know. In the case of true un-knowledge, life is still easier for the intended answerer, especially sans the supposed guilt from taking the easy way out by unthinkingly claiming "I don't know." The situation also remains the same for the asker. Either way, the asker may reiterate ...