16 Phrases That Immediately Reveal Someone As Totally Delusional

Some people really do seem to be off with the faeries.

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They say things that make it clear they lost connection with reality a long time ago — not necessarily in a “you should be institutionalised” way, but definitely in a “what are they smoking?” way. Whether they’re drunk on their own oversized ego or they’re just a horse of a different colour, here’s how you know someone is a bit delusional (okay, totally delusional).

1. “Everyone’s just jealous of me.”

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When someone says this, they’re usually brushing off criticism or trying to protect their ego. Instead of considering that they might have made a mistake or could improve, they frame everything as envy. It’s like a shield they use to deflect anything that feels like a threat to their self-image. It might keep their confidence intact, but it stops them from growing or learning from feedback.

2. “The universe is sending me signs.”

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We all like to find meaning in things sometimes, but this person takes it to the next level. A black cat crosses their path? It’s a message. The bus arrives early? Another sign. While it might feel empowering to believe everything happens for a reason, this mindset often leads them to make big decisions based on random coincidences. Sometimes, a bus is just a bus.

3. “I’m never the problem.”

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When someone insists they’re always in the right, it’s a giant red flag for self-awareness. They’re so focused on protecting their ego that they can’t even entertain the idea they might share responsibility for an issue. It’s easier for them to cast themselves as the victim in every story than to take a hard look at their own behaviour.

4. “They’ll realise what they lost.”

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This one’s a classic post-breakup line, dripping with false confidence and a touch of bitterness. Instead of processing the loss, they’re fantasising about a future where they’re vindicated, and everyone who’s wronged them comes crawling back. It’s less about moving on and more about avoiding the pain of rejection in the moment.

5. “Everyone’s out to get me.”

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They see hidden agendas everywhere, from their coworkers to the person delivering their coffee. While it might just be paranoia, it often reflects a deeper sense of insecurity. Seeing the world as a battlefield where everyone’s an enemy can push people away—and ironically, leave them feeling even more isolated.

6. “I know what people are thinking.”

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Unless they’ve secretly developed psychic powers, this one’s a stretch. Assuming they can read minds usually leads to unnecessary drama because they’re acting on imagined slights or conversations that never actually happened. It’s less about insight and more about projecting their own insecurities onto everyone else.

7. “Success is just around the corner.”

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We all need a little optimism, but when this phrase is repeated over and over without any visible progress, it starts to sound like wishful thinking. They’re clinging to the idea that good things will just magically happen without putting in the hard work or making tangible plans. It’s a dream with no foundation.

8. “They’re all sheep, but I see the truth.”

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This is the hallmark of someone with a superiority complex. They paint themselves as the lone genius who’s somehow cracked the code while everyone else is blindly following the crowd. In reality, it’s often a way to avoid listening to different perspectives or admitting they might be wrong.

9. “I don’t need to change anything.”

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This stubborn stance screams, “I’m stuck in my ways, and I’m not interested in growing.” Even if they’re surrounded by problems of their own making, they’ll insist the issue lies with the world around them. It’s bound to stall progress and let opportunities slip by.

10. “My time is coming soon.”

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They’re always talking about a big breakthrough that’s just on the horizon, but they never seem to put in the work to actually make it happen. It’s comforting to believe success is inevitable, but without action, it’s just a pipe dream they use to avoid dealing with the present.

11. “They’re all fake, I’m the only real one.”

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Positioning themselves as the sole authentic person in a world of frauds might sound noble, but it’s usually rooted in insecurity. By tearing everyone else down, they try to make themselves feel superior. Unfortunately, this attitude only isolates them further, making genuine connections almost impossible.

12. “I already know everything I need.”

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This phrase is a red flag for a closed mind. They’ve decided they’ve got it all figured out, and any new information is dismissed as unnecessary. It’s less about confidence and more about fear—admitting they don’t know everything would mean stepping outside their comfort zone.

13. “They’ll all come crawling back.”

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Whether it’s an ex, a former friend, or a colleague, this revenge fantasy is all about avoiding reality. Instead of accepting that things are over, they focus on a future where they’re vindicated and everyone regrets letting them go. It’s a way to protect their pride without facing their own role in what happened.

14. “Nothing is ever my fault.”

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This is the ultimate victim mentality. They’ll twist every situation to make it look like external forces are the sole reason for their struggles. While it might be comforting to shift the blame, it also keeps them stuck in the same patterns, unable to learn or grow.

15. “I’m just too advanced for them.”

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When someone can’t seem to hold down relationships or work well with other people, they might chalk it up to being “too different” or “too brilliant” for everyone else. In reality, it’s often a way to avoid looking at the interpersonal skills they might be lacking. True confidence doesn’t need this kind of justification.

16. “Everyone else is crazy except me.”

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If they genuinely believe they’re the only sane person in every room, it’s a sign they’ve lost touch with reality. This mindset shuts down the possibility of learning from other people, or seeing things from a different perspective. It’s isolating, rigid, and exhausting for everyone around them.