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Is this phrase ambiguous or is there are clearly preferred way of interpretation? The following 2 interpretations seem diametrically opposed:

  1. Don't waste any time getting back because you'll be too late anyways. Focus on something else instead.
  2. Hurry up. Make the trip as quick possible because you are needed urgently.

Is it context dependent?

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    Absent context it's ambiguous.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Feb 10, 2020 at 23:11
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    It's slightly ambiguous, but the fact that it's "getting back" instead of "coming back" suggests that the person is already in-transit or already planning to travel.
    – Juhasz
    Commented Feb 11, 2020 at 0:00
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    With the phrasing Don't waste any time getting back here, I would think the hurry up interpretation. For the don't bother interpretation, I would say something like: Please don't waste your time trying to get back here.
    – Tinfoil Hat
    Commented Feb 11, 2020 at 4:08
  • Don’t worry about getting back here because....
    – Jim
    Commented Feb 11, 2020 at 6:28

1 Answer 1

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I suppose this could, technically, be ambiguous. However, colloquially, it's quite clear the sentence refers to your second interpretation. "Don't waste any time doing x" is a common phrase to suggest that they need to do x and only x in a timely manner.

If they were saying they shouldn't come, they'd use "Don't waste your time" or "Don't waste my time" (if they wanted to particularly point out their annoyance), rather than "Don't waste any time".

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  • Finding a supporting reference (interpretation B, not A, is the default) could be tricky here. have you tried?
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Mar 7, 2021 at 15:49

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