Self-explantory

-adjective: something needing no explanation

That is the common definition of this expression. But, is it true?

What does it mean if I tell you that "you're too expensive"?

• You're more expensive than I expected?
• You're more expensive than what I'm doing now?
• You're more expensive than your competition?
• You're more expensive than I can approve?
• You're more expensive than the value I perceive?

How about "I can't"... what does that mean?

• I can't do that yet?
• I can't do that under the current circumstances?
• I can't do that alone?
• I can't do that within your timeline?
• I can't do that without more budget?
• I can, but it would be extremely difficult?
• I can, but I don't want to?
• I can, but I don't think I need to?

The only thing self-explanatory about something self-explanatory... is its description, "self-explanatory".

There is only one way to be 100% sure what somebody means... Ask!