> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://replai-1.gitbook.io/replai-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://replai-1.gitbook.io/replai-docs/answers-and-grounding/honest-decline.md).

# Honest decline

## Honest decline

Replai declines when the content cannot support the answer.

That is better than guessing.

### When does Replai say it does not know?

Replai declines when:

* The connected content does not answer the question
* The strongest matches are too weak
* The question falls outside the assistant scope

### What happens after a decline?

The visitor still gets a useful next step.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Answer and Agent" %}
Replai declines clearly.

If lead capture is enabled, Replai can ask for contact details.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Live" %}
Replai declines clearly.

Then Replai can offer a human handoff or lead capture, depending on availability.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Honest decline protects trust.

It keeps the assistant from making up product facts or policy commitments.
{% endhint %}

### What does Replai avoid?

Replai does not invent product details, pricing, or policy terms.

### Related links

* [How answering works](/replai-docs/answers-and-grounding/how-answering-works.md)
* [Citations](/replai-docs/answers-and-grounding/citations.md)
* [Handoff & lead capture](/replai-docs/answers-and-grounding/handoff-and-lead-capture.md)
* [Q\&A snippets](/replai-docs/connectors-sources/q-and-a-snippets.md)


---

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Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

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```

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