McGRAW-HILL’SConversational
AmericanEnglish
TheIllustratedGuidetotheEverydayExpressionsofAmericanEnglish
McGRAW-HILL’SConversationalAmericanEnglish
TheIllustratedGuidetotheEverydayExpressionsofAmericanEnglish
RICHARDA.SPEARS•BETTYBIRNER•STEVENKLEINEDLER
IllustratedbyLucNisset
Copyright©2011byTheMcGraw-HillCompanies,Inc.Allrightsreserved.PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.ExceptaspermittedundertheUnitedStatesCopyrightActof1976,nopartofthispublicationmaybereproducedordistributedinanyformorbyanymeans,orstoredinadatabaseorretrievalsystem,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.
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Contents
AboutThisDictionary
UsingThisDictionary
TopicandSituationIndex
ConversationalAmericanEnglishExpressions
AboutThisDictionary
Everylanguagehasconventionalandmuch-usedwaysofexpressingeventhemostcommonplacerequests,inquiries,orresponses.Someoftheseexpressionsareidiomsoridiomatic.OthersareperfectlyunderstandableandliteralEnglish,butpeopleunfamiliarwiththelanguagemayhavedifficultyformulatingthemintypicalandconventionalways.DerivedfromNTC’sDictionaryofEverydayAmericanEnglishExpressions,thisbookisacollectionofnearly5,000suchexpressionsgroupedinto464topicsthatarelistedunder11majorcategoriesofsocialinteraction.Newtothisreferenceareextensiveillustrationsthatplacenumerousexpressionsinavisualcontext,facilitatingunderstandingandmemorization.
ThecompletelistofmajorcategoryheadingsandtheirtopicscanbefoundintheTopicandSituationIndex,beginningonpagexi.Thisindexcanalsobeusedforbrowsingthroughthetopics.Seeacompleteexplanationofhowtousethisindexonpagexi.Eachofthe464topicshasbeenassignedanumber,andthesenumbersarethebasisoftheindexingsystems.Thenumbersappearatthebeginningofeachtopicheadinginthebodyofthebooktoaidinfindingaparticulartopic.
UsingThisDictionary
Themeaningoftheexpressionscanbedeterminedfromthetopicheading.Alltheexpressionsunderaparticularheadingconveyessentiallythesametypeofinformation.
•Theexpressionsthemselvescontainhintsandexplanationswherenecessary.Forinstance,intheexpression...
Igotsidetracked.sidetracked=detoured;distracted
...theequalsign(=)indicatesthatthewordorphraseontheleftisdefinedasthewordorphraseontheright.
•Intheexpression...Canyoustayfordinner?
Canyou=Wouldyou,Areyouableto,Willyou
...the=indicatesthatthewordorphraseontheleftcanbereplacedbyanyofthewordsorphrasesontheright.
•Intheexpression...Getoffyourhighhorse.(informal)=Belessarrogant.
...theequalsign(=)atthebeginningofthelineindicatesthatarestatementoftheentireexpressionfollows.
•Intheexpression...Youandwhatarmy?(slang)...thewordslanginparenthesesindicatestheregisterorusageoftheexpression.OthersimilarindicatorsareBiblical,cliché,euphemistic,folksy,formal,French,German,idiomatic,informal,ironic,Italian,Japanese,jocular,juvenile,Latin,mildoath,mildlyvulgar,oath,rude,sarcastic,Spanish,taboo,andvulgar.
•Intheexpression...Fore!
(saidingolfingwhentheballisstruck)
...theinformationinparenthesesexplainssomethingaboutthecontextinwhichtheexpressionisused.
TopicandSituationIndex
Thisindexincludes11majorcategoryheadings,underwhichthetopicsforeachcategoryappearinboldfacetype.Thespecificexpressiongroupsforeachtopicarethenpresentedintheorderinwhichtheyarefoundinthelistofexpressions.Atopicnumber,ratherthanapagenumber,isprovidedaftereachtopicdescription,indicatingwheretofindthattopicinthelist.
Forinstance,ifyouwantedtofindanexpressionhavingtodowithapaininthehead,youwouldlookunderthecategoryPersonalMattersforagroupofexpressionslabeledSickness.UnderSicknessyouwouldfindtheexpressiongroup“Describingapaininthehead326.”Lookfor“Describingapaininthehead”atnumber326inthelistofexpressions.
BasicSocialEncounters
Greetings
Simplegreetings
Generalgreetings
Greetingsforvarioustimesoftheday
Greetingapersonyouhaven’tseeninalongtime
Welcomingsomeonewhohasreturned
Expressingsurpriseatmeetingsomeone
Afteryouhavegreetedsomeone
Concerningajourneyorvacation
SmallTalk
Expressingyourstateofhealthandhappiness
Tellinghowyouhavebeendoing—positive
Tellinghowyouhavebeendoing—neutral
Tellinghowyouhavebeendoing—negative
Explainingthatyouhavebeenbusy
Invitingafriendforadrinkorcoffee
Introductions
Introducingsomeonetosomeoneelse
Whenyouhavejustbeenintroducedtosomeone
Afteryouhavebeenintroducedtosomeone
Askinghowsomeoneis
Askingsomeonehowthingsaregoing
EndingaConversation
Signalingtheendofaconversation
Endingatelephoneconversation
Endingaconversationabruptly
Good-Byes
Simplegood-byes
Takingleaveofsomeone
Leavingaplace
Whensomeoneisleavingonajourney
Makingplanstokeepintouchwithsomeone
Agreeing
Simpleagreement
Statingyourconcurrence
Expressingacceptance
Statingthatyouunderstand
Makingsureyouareunderstood
Disagreeing
Statingsimpledisagreementorrefusal
Statingcategoricaldisagreement
Statingstrongdisagreement
Statingyourdisagreementwithaproposition
Expressingrejection
Expressingrefusal
Statingthatsomeoneiswrong
Arguingaboutthefacts
ConversationalEncounters
FocusingAttention
Gettingsomeone’sattention
Gettingsomeonetolistentoyou
Directingattentiontoanobject
Confirmingthatyouarepayingattention
LaunchingtheConversation
Startinganinformalconversation
Invitingsomeonetotalk
Comingtothepointofthematter
Requestingthatthespeakergettothepoint
Variousconversationalphrases
Encouragingsomeonetospeakplainly
Notingdigressionsinaconversation
Repeatingwhatyouhavesaid
Whensomeoneisbeingrepetitious
Agreeingwithaspeaker
Answersto“Howdidyoufindout?”
MakingFriends
Expressingfriendship
Commentingontheuniquenessofsomeone
Commentingonpersonalsimilarities
Expressionsusedtomakefriendsatabarorcafé
Invitingsomeonetodance
Approachingtheoppositesex
Askingsomeoneforadate
Turningsomeonedown
Bringingaconversationtoanend
ComplexMatters
Expressingsupportforsomeone
Offeringhelptosomeone
Expressingtrustinsomeone
Expressingencouragement
Encouragingsomeonetotrysomething
Encouragingsomeonetostopstallinganddosomething
Expressingdissatisfactionwithsomeone’sefforts
Askingsomeonetowait
Encouragingsomeonetobepatientandtakethingsslowly
Encouragingsomeonetobeprudent—clichés
Givingadvicetosomeonewhoselifeistoobusy
Givinginstructionstosomeoneyou’velentsomethingto
Introducingasecret
Instructionsaboutkeepingasecret
Promisingtokeepasecret
Forgetfulness
Whenyouareintrouble
Whensomeoneisintrouble
Whenyouareoutofmoney
Whensomeoneisindebt
Expressingstressoranxiety
Whenyouareoverworkedanddoingtoomuch
Whensomeoneisanxiousandunderstress
Encouragingsomeonenottobeoffended—informal
Encouragingsomeonenottobeexcited
Encouragingsomeonetorelax
Encouragingsomeonetobelessaggressive—informal
Whensomeoneiscoldandunfeeling—informal
Whattosaytoasmoker
Asmoker’sresponsetoanonsmoker’scomplaint
Questionsasmokermightask
Disputes
Criticismofsomeonewithwhomyoudisagree
Callingsomeonecrazy
Questioningsomeone’ssanity
Askingaboutthealertnessofsomeone
Encouragingsomeonetobemoresensible
Askingindisbeliefordisagreement
Whensomeonesayssomethingoutrageous
DiscussionandResolution
Askingforanexplanation
Encouraginganexplanation
Whenyoudonotunderstandsomeone
Whensomeonedoesnotunderstandyou
Criticizingsomeone’smisunderstanding
Attemptingtoputanendtoamisunderstanding
Encouragingsomeonetobelieveyou
Askingtobetrusted
Statingthatsomethingissettled
Claimingthatsomethingiseasytounderstand
Showingdisbelief
Expressingignorance
Expressingreluctance
Makingthebestofabadsituation
Blamingsomethingonfateordestiny
Knowingsomethingafterthefact
Expressingindifference
PoliteEncounters
Prefaces
Aprefacetoaskingaquestion
Aprefacetomakingastatement—formal
Aprefacetomakingastatement—informal
Aprefacetomakingastatement—verypolite
CommunicationBarriers
Askingifsomeonespeaksaparticularlanguage
Whenyoudonotspeakaparticularlanguage
Whenyoudonotunderstandwhatwassaid
Whenyoudonotunderstandwhataforeignvisitorhassaid
TellingTime
Askingthetimeofday
Thetimeis12:00o’clock
Thetimeisonthehour
Thetimeisapproximate
Thetimeistenminutespastthehour
Thetimeisfifteenorthirtyminutespastthehour
Thetimeisfortyminutespastthehour
Thetimeisforty-fiveminutespastthehour
Thetimeisfiftyminutespastthehour
Whenatimepieceisnotaccurate
GeneralPleasantries
Whenyourmovingaboutmaybothersomeone
Offeringtoletsomeoneenterinfrontofyou
Apologizingtosomeoneyouhavebothered
Returningsomeone’sgoodwishes
Agreeingtosomething—polite
Explainingthatyouwillattendtosomeonesoon
Askingforpermissiontoleaveaplace—polite
Sayinggood-bye—polite
Sayinggood-bye—informal
BusinessPleasantries
Announcingyourarrivalforanappointment
Beingassertive—polite
ApologizingandTakingResponsibility
Sincereapologies
Offeringaverypoliteapology
Acceptingtheblameforsomething
Admittingyourerrors
Promisingnevertorepeataparticularmistake
Offeringtomakeamends
Askingforforgiveness
Forgiving
Simpleforgiveness
Forgiveness—informal
Encouragingsomeonetoendadispute
ShowingGratitude
Saying“thankyou”—formal
Saying“thankyou”—informal
ReturningThanks
Acknowledgingsomeone’sthanks—formal
Acknowledgingsomeone’sthanks—informal
SpecialOccasions
Seeinganewbaby
Askingaboutanewbaby
Congratulatingsomeonefordoingagoodjob
Wishingsomeonewell
Expressingsympathyatafuneralorwake
ImpoliteEncounters
DealingwithUnpleasantness
Whensomeoneisconceitedorvain
Whensomeoneisoverbearing
Whensomeonehasbeeninsolentorrude—shockedresponse
Whensomeonehasbeeninsolentorrude—firmresponse
Whensomeonehasbeeninsolentorrude—ruderesponse
Encouragingatimidperson
Insultingacoward
Whensomeonearguestoomuch
Whensomeoneisbeingannoying
Invitinganannoyingpersontoleave
Whensomeoneisveryannoyingorhurtful
Gettingsomeonetostopdoingsomething
Whensomeoneismakingyouangry—rude
Askingtobeleftalone
Describingabothersomeperson
Whensomeonehasdonesomethingwrong—polite
Whensomeonehasdonesomethingwrong—amazed
Whensomeonehasdonesomethingwrong—sarcastic
Whensomeonemakesanunwelcomeintervention
Tellingsomeonetostayawayorkeepout
Askingsomeone’sintentions
Startingafight
Askingsomeonetoleaveyourpropertyalone
Askingsomeonetostayoutofyouraffairs
Whensomeoneisharassingyou—angryanddirect
Whensomeoneisharassingyou—rude
Whensomeoneispresumptuous
Whensomeonehasunderestimatedyourintelligence
Whensomeoneinterruptswithanopinion
Apologizing—sarcastic
Whensomeoneoverreacts
Whenpunishmentisinstoreforsomeone
Explainingharshjustice
Threateningretaliation
Requestingsilence
Requestingsomeonetostopneedlesstalk
Whensomeoneisnotdoingenough
Whensomeonestartstrouble
Expressingmocksympathy
Expressingmocksympathy—sarcastic
Whenyouarehelplesstohelp—rude
Visits
GuestsandHosts
Askingtovisitsomeone
Whenyouareinvitedtoaninformalmealinahome
Askingaboutaninvitationyouhavereceived
Apologizingforbeinglate
Explainingwhyoneislate
Whenyoufinallyarriveafterbeinglate
Greetingsforvisitors
Invitingavisitortocomein
Aftergreetingavisitor
Makingavisitorfeelwelcomeandcomfortable
Invitingavisitortostayfordinner
Encouragingaguesttofeelathome
Offeringaguestaseat
Steeringaguesttoaparticularroom
Encouragingaguesttobeindependent
Minglingwithotherguests
Whataguestsaystoahostorhostess
Startingaconversationusingthetopicofweather
Askingaquestiontostartaconversation
Startingaconversationwithsomeoneyouknowwell
Startingaconversationinawaitingroom
Talkingabouttheweather
Whattosaywheninacrowdedplace
Preparingtoleavehome
Statingwhenyouwillreturnhome
Preparingtoleaveahostorhostess
Whendeparting
Questionsaskedofdepartingguests
Sayinggood-byetodepartingguests
MiscellaneousExpressions
CommentsandPhrases
Generalexclamations
Religiousexpressions
Expressionsmeaning“almost”
Leavingthingsastheyare
Expressingdifferencesbetweenpeople—clichés
Warnings
Givingandreceiving—clichés
Causeandeffect—clichés
Sayingtheobvious—clichés
Expressionsforaforgottenwordorname
Regardingorderandprocedure
Describingamessyplace
Concerningunity—clichés
Concerningnostalgia
Concerningstrength—clichés
Concerningrigidityofcharacter—idiomsandclichés
Feelingwarmorhot
Feelingcoolorcold
Describingadditionalunspecifiedpeopleorthings
Concerningcleanliness
Concerningsurprise
Concerningexpectation
Concerningapremonition
Concerningbeingbusy—clichés
Makinganextraeffort
Demandingtobegivenanobject
Whensomeoneispreparingforanimportantevent—clichés
Whensomeoneisdressedup
Whenyoufeelyouarenotwanted
Regardingsomethinglessthanwhatwasdesired
Describingareprimand
Whensomethingisbroken
Whensomethingisoutoforder
Onbeingpushedtothelimitofyourpatience
PlansandProjects
Beginninganewprojectoractivity
Concerningthedeceptivelydifficult
Concerningtheimpossible
Concerningfutility
Whensomethingisunimportant
Endingaproject
Startingoveragainonaproject
PersonalMatters
Feelings
Askingifsomeoneisallright
Askingwhysomeonelookssounhappy
Offeringsomeonehelpandadvice
Encouragingsomeonewhoisunhappy
Whenyouaredepressed
Expressingdespairandemptiness
Whensomeonelooksveryhappy
Whensomeoneisveryhappy—idioms
Expressingenthusiasmforlife
Whensomeoneiscontent
Whensomeoneiscarefree
Whensomeoneisresignedtolifeasitis
Expressingdispleasurewithsomething
Askingsomeonetostopbeingunpleasant
Dullnessandboredom
Dullnessinpeople
Excitementinpeople
Anxiety
Whenyoufeeloutofplace
Expressinganger
Expressingfright
Whenyoudonotknowwhattosay
TheSenses
Difficultyinhearing
Anearformusic
Hearingloudandsoftsounds
Concerningearsorhearing
Thetasteoffoods
Offeringsomeoneasmallportionoffood
Expressinghunger
Identifyingsmells
Physicalresponses
Thesenseoftouch
Difficultieswithseeing
Concerninggoodvision
Concerningvisionandbelief
HealthandAppearance
Whensomeoneisingoodhealth
Observingthatsomeonelooksdisorderly
Whensomeonelooksverybad
Inquiringaboutsomeone’shealthorwell-being
Whensomeonedoesnotlookwell
Sickness
Concerningallergies
Allergicproblemswiththenoseandbreathing
Whensomeonesneezes
Allergicproblemswiththeeyes
Allergicproblemswiththeskin
Expressinggeneralfeelingsofillness
Expressingmilddiscomfortowingtoillness
Whenyoufeellikevomiting
Describingapaininthehead
Describingdizziness
Describingbeingexhaustedorwornout
Offeringcaretoasickperson
Concerningcatchingadisease
Questionsforthehospitalpatient
Explainingthatyourhealthisimproving
Explainingthatyouarereceivingmedicalcare
Explainingthatyouarecuredofahealthproblem
FamilyMatters
HomeLife
Describingfamilyrelationships
Familysolidarity
Askingaboutameal
Announcingameal
Instructionsgiventochildreninthekitchen
Blessingthefood
Secondservings
Instructingchildrenongoodtablemanners
Doingthedishes
Askingtoleavethedinnertableearly
Instructingchildrentofinisheating
Concerningaradioorstereo
Concerningfurnitureorcarpeting
Concerningtelevision
Changingthetelevisionchannel
Managingatelevisionset
Concerningcomputers
Managingacomputer
Takinganap
Goingtobedandtosleep
Sayinggoodnight
Commandsforadog
Caringforpets
Education
Gettingreadytostudyordohomework
Talkingtoachild’steacher
Returningtoschoolafteranabsence
Questioningacollegeprofessor
Askingforclarificationinacollegeclassroom
Askingaboutclassroomexaminations
Askingaboutaclassroomassignment
Askingaboutgrades
Children
Meetingchildren
Concerningachild’sgrowthanddevelopment
Posingquestionstochildren
Praisingasmallchild
Scoldingachild
Encouragingachildtobequiet
Askingachildtostopsomebehavior
Askingachildtoleavethingsalone
Askingachildtoleavepeoplealone
Makingsureachildunderstands
Concerningachild’suseofgoodmanners
FoodandDrink
Restaurants
Askingforatableatarestaurant
Concerningseatinginarestaurant
Concerningsmokinginarestaurant
Explainingthatsomeoneelsewilljoinyouatarestaurant
Greetingsfromawaiterorwaitress
Questionsawaiterorwaitressmightask
Recitingspecialmealoffersfortheday
Whenarestaurantisoutofsomeitem
Questionsaskedofarestaurantcustomer
Requestingsomethingtodrinkatarestaurant
Requestingattentionfromawaiterorwaitress
Explainingtoawaiterorwaitressthatyouarenotreadytoorder
Indicatingreadinesstoorderamealatarestaurant
Askingaboutspecificitemsonarestaurantmenu
Requestingthatcertainfoodsnotbeservedtoyouinarestaurant
Concerningfoodallergieswhenorderingatarestaurant
Tellinghowasteakistobecookedinarestaurant
Requestingadditionalservingsinarestaurant
Orderingwineinarestaurant
Makingacomplaintinarestaurant
Askingaboutthelocationofarestroominapublicbuilding
Orderingfoodtobetakenout
Requeststohaveuneatenfoodwrappedsoitcanbetakenhome
Whenyourfoodisbroughttothetableinarestaurant
Askingforadiner’sopinionofameal
Awaiterorwaitressseekingtobeoffurtherservice
Awaiterorwaitresso?eringdessert
Askingforthebillinarestaurant
Aboutpaymentforamealinarestaurant
Concerningthepaymentofabillinarestaurant
Bars
Abartenderaskingwhatyouwant
Askingwhat’savailableatabar
Requestingaglassorbottleofbeer
Variousrequestsfordrinksfromabartender
Specialinstructionstoabartender
Buyingdrinkswithfriends
Chargesfordrinksatabar
Expressionsusedwithfriendsatabaraskingaboutdrinks
Expressionsaboutdrinkingadditionaldrinks
Askingforasmalldrinkofbeveragealcohol
Encouragingsomeonetodrink
Askingaboutthetimethatabarcloses
Encouragingsomeonetofinishadrink
Drinkingtoasts
Whensomeonedrinkstoomuch
Statingthatsomeoneisdrunk
HomeCooking
Statingthatyouarehungry
Askingwhenamealwillbeready
Askingwhatisfordinner
Statingwhenfoodwillbeready
Offeringsomeoneabitoffood
Blessingthefood
Concerningpassingfoodatthetable
Concerningadditionalservingsoffood
Enforcinggoodtablemanners
Cleaningupafterameal
Excusingoneselffromthetable
Encouragingchildrentoeat
Shopping
StoresandShops
Askingaboutstorehours
Asalespersongreetingacustomer
Asalespersonofferinghelptoacustomer
Questionsasalespersonmightaskacustomer
Offeringmerchandisetoacustomer
Offeringadditionalhelptoacustomer
Findingthingsinadepartmentstore
Shoppingforsomethingatadepartmentstore
Whenyouarejustlookingandnotbuying
Choosingmerchandiseinastore
Questionsacustomermightaskinastore
Whenacustomerwantstotryonclothing
Encouragingremarksasalespersonmightmaketoacustomer
Askinghowapurchasewillbepaidfor
Whenasalespersoncannotsupplyexactlywhatiswanted
Whenmerchandiseisnotsatisfactory
Askingaboutpaymentplansinastore
Gettingapurchasegiftwrappedinastore
TelephonesandMobileDevices
AnsweringtheTelephone
Receivingcommunicationsonyourmobiledevice
Answeringthetelephone—residential
Answeringthetelephone—business
Askingwhomatelephonecallerwantstotalkto
Screeningsomeone’stelephonecalls
Connectingortransferringatelephonecaller
Puttingatelephonecalleronhold
Interruptingatelephonecallwithotherbusiness
Takingacalloffhold
Offeringtotakeamessagefromatelephonecaller
Offeringtohelpatelephonecaller
Bringingatelephonecalltoanend
ConversationalAmericanEnglishExpressions
BASICSOCIALENCOUNTERS
Greetings
1Simplegreetings
Hi!Hello!Hellothere!Howdy!Hey!Yo!(slang)
2Generalgreetings
Howareyou?How’sitgoing?How’sitbeen?Howiseverything?How’severything?Howhaveyoubeen?
Howhaveyoubeen?How’veyoubeen?Howyoubeen?(informal)How’stricks?(informal)Whathaveyoubeenupto?What’snew?(informal)What’sup?(informal)Wusup?/Wassup?(slang)What’shappening?(slang)What’sgoingon?(slang)
3Greetingsforvarioustimesoftheday
Goodmorning.Morning.Mornin’.(informal)Howareyouthisbrightmorning?Goodafternoon.Afternoon.Goodevening.Evening.
4Greetingapersonyouhaven’tseeninalongtime
Ihaven’tseenyouinyears!
Longtimenosee!(informal)Ihaven’tseenyouinanage!Ihaven’tseenyouinamonth
ofSundays!amonthofSundays=alongtime
5Welcomingsomeonewhohasreturned
Welcomeback!Welcomeback,stranger!Longtimenosee!(cliché)Wherewereyou?Wherehaveyoubeen?Wheredidyougo?
6Expressingsurpriseatmeetingsomeone
Whatasurprisetomeetyouhere!Imaginemeetingyouhere!(cliché)Fancymeetingyouhere.(cliché)Never
thoughtI’dseeyouhere!Whatareyoudoinginthisneckofthewoods?
neckofthewoods=partoftown,locationWhatareyoudoinginthispartoftown?Whatareyoudoingoutoftheoffice?
Whatareyoudoingoutoftheoffice?Where’veyoubeenhidingyourself?Whathaveyoubeenupto?Shouldn’tyoubeinschool?Shouldn’tyoubeatwork?Haveyoubeenkeepingbusy?Youbeenkeepingbusy?Beenkeepingbusy?
7Afteryouhavegreetedsomeone
Weseemtokeeprunningintoeachother.Haven’twemetbefore?Wehavetostopmeetinglikethis.(cliché)Didn’twemeetatthatpartylast
week?I’msorry;I’veforgottenyourname.I’vebeenmeaningtocallyou.
8Concerningajourneyorvacation
Howwasit?Howdiditgo?DideverythinggoOK?
Didyouhavefun?You’llhavetotellusallaboutit.Didyoutakeanypictures?Doyouhavepictures?Werethelocalsfriendly?Werethenativesfriendly?Didyoubringmeanything?Wemissedyou.Wemissedyouaroundhere.We’vemissedyouaroundhere.Itjustwasn’tthesamewithoutyou.
SmallTalk
9Expressingyourstateofhealthandhappiness
Fine.I’mfine.I’mcool.(slang)Keepingcool.Dandy.(informal)Fineanddandy.Great.Couldn’tbebetter.Happyasaclam.(cliché)Okay.Allright.(I)can’tcomplain.Nocomplaints.Ihavenothingtocomplainabout.
10Tellinghowyouhavebeendoing—positive
Keepingbusy.Keepingmyselfbusy.
Keepingmyselfbusy.Beenkeepingmyselfbusy.Keepingoutoftrouble.Beenkeepingoutoftrouble.Beenuptonogood.(informal)Beenkeepingmynoseclean.(informal)
11Tellinghowyouhavebeendoing—neutral
Gettingby.Beengettingby.Fairtomiddling.(folksy)So-so.(informal)Pluggingalong.(informal)Couldbeworse.Couldbebetter.(Just)muddlingthrough.Sameasalways.Sameasusual.Sameo(l)’sameo(l)’(informal)
12Tellinghowyouhavebeendoing—negative
Notgood.Notsogood.Nottoogood.
Nottoogood.Nonetoogood.Notwell.Notverywell.Notsowell.
Nottoowell.Nonetoowell.Notsohot.Nottoohot.Nonetoohot.Notgreat.Notsogreat.Nonetoogreat.Crummy.(slang)Kindofcrummy.(slang)Lousy.(slang)I’veseenbetterdays.I’vehadbetterdays.Couldbebetter.I’vebeenbetter.
I’vebeenbetter.I’vebeenundertheweather.
13Explainingthatyouhavebeenbusy
I’mbusy.Keepingbusy.Keepingmyselfbusy.Beenkeepingmyselfbusy.I’mswamped.
swamped=overwhelmed,aswithaswampedboatI’msnowedunder.
snowedunder=asifburiedinsnowIdon’thavetimetobreathe.Idon’thavetimetothink.Therearen’tenoughhoursintheday.Notamomenttospare.I’vebeenrunningaroundwithmyheadcutoff.(informal)I’vebeenrunning
aroundlikeachickenwithitsheadcutoff.(informal)
14Invitingafriendforadrinkorcoffee
Doyouhavetimeforcoffee?Howaboutacupofcoffee?Let’sgogetcoffee.Doyouhaveanytime?Let’sgoforcoffee.Let’sgoforabeer.Let’sgoforadrink.
Introductions
15Introducingsomeonetosomeoneelse
I’dlikeyoutomeetmyfriendMary.I’dlikeyoutomeetMary.ThisismyfriendMary.John,(thisis)Mary.Mary,John.Mary,haveyoumetJohn?Mary,doyouknowJohn?Mary,shakehandswithJohnJones.Doyoutwoknoweachother?Haveyoumet?Haveyoutwobeenintroduced?Haven’tyoubeenintroduced?Oh,I’msorry;howsillyofme.ThisisMary.Mary,JohnistheguyIwastellingyouabout.(informal)Youtwohavealotin
common.
16Whenyouhavejustbeenintroducedtosomeone
Goodtomeetyou.Nicetomeetyou.Nicemeetingyou.Hownicetomeetyou.(formal)Howverynicetomeetyou.(formal)Whata
pleasuretomeetyou.(formal)It’sapleasuretohavefinallymetyou.(formal)Iampleasedtomakeyouracquaintance.(formal)I’mhappyto
meetyou.I’mgladtomeetyou.Gladtomeetyou.Charmed.(formal)Apleasure.(formal)
17Afteryouhavebeenintroducedtosomeone
I’vebeenwantingtomeetyouforsometime.Johnhastoldmeallaboutyou.Johnhastoldmesomuchaboutyou.I’veheardsomuchaboutyou.I’veheardsomuchaboutyouIfeelIknowyoualready.Sowefinallymeetfacetoface.We’veexchangede-mails;it’snicetomeetinperson.I’msorry,whatwasyournameagain?Ididn’tcatchyourname.I’mterribleatnames.
18Askinghowsomeoneis
Howareyou?How’syourfamily?How’sthefamily?
How’sthefamily?Howareyoudoing?Howareyoudoingtoday?Howyoudoing?AreyoudoingOK?Howareyoufeeling?Howyoufeeling?Areyoufeelingbettertoday?Howhaveyoubeen?Howyoubeen?
19Askingsomeonehowthingsaregoing
How’rethings?How’rethingswithyou?How’rethingsgoing?How’swithyou?How’sbyyou?(slang)How’sbusiness?How’stricks?(slang)How’sitshakin’?(slang)How’severything?How’severylittlething?(folksy)How’severythinggoing?
How’sitgoing?Howgoesit?Howgoesitwithyou?Howareyougettingon?Howareyougettingalong?How’stheworld(been)treatingyou?
EndingaConversation
20Signalingtheendofaconversation
Oh,lookatthetime!It’sgettinglater.Well,David,it’sreallygoodtoseeyou,butIreallymustgo.It’sbeenfuntalkingtoyou.(It’sbeen)nicechattingwithyou.It’ssogoodtoseeyouagain.Wehavetomakeplanstogettogethersometime.Let’sdolunchsometime.
21Endingatelephoneconversation
Ireallyhavetogonow.We’lltalksometime.
Ireallyhavetogonow.We’lltalksometime.There’ssomeoneontheotherline.Imustsaygood-byenow.Thedoorbellisringing.I’llcallyouback.CanIcallyouback?Somethinghascomeup.Ihavetogetbacktomywork.I’llcallagainlater.Canwecontinuethislater?Myotherlineisringing.Ihavetogetbacktoworkbeforethebossseesme.Iwon’tkeepyouanylonger.I’llletyougonow.
22Endingaconversationabruptly
I’mgoingtohavetorun.Mustrun.(informal)I’malloutoftime.I’llhavetosaygood-byenow.Lookatthetime.Ireallymustgo.It’sbeengreattalkingtoyou,butIhavetogo.Wow!I’mlate.Look,I’llcallyou.Sorry,butIhavetoleavenow.Let’scontinuethisanothertime.Ireallymustgo.
Good-Byes
23Simplegood-byes
Good-bye.Bye.Bye-bye.Solong.Ta-ta.(informal)Farewell.Cheerio.
Hastalavista.(Spanish)Adios.(Spanish)Aufwiedersehen.(German)Sayonara.(Japanese)Arrivederci.(Italian)Aurevoir.(French)Adieu.(French)Ciao.(Italian)Goodday.(formal)Goodevening.(formal)Goodnight.Good-byeuntillater.Good-byeuntilnexttime.Good-byefornow.Seeyoulater.Seeyoulater,alligator.(slang)Later,gator.(slang)Later.(informal)I’lltrytocatchyoulater.I’llcatchyoulater.Catchyoulater.
Catchyoulater.I’lltalktoyousoon.Let’sgettogethersoon.I’llbeseeingyou.I’llseeyourealsoon.Seeyou.Seeya.(informal)Seeyousoon.Seeyourealsoon.Seeyouaround.Seeyouinalittlewhile.Seeyounextyear.Seeyouthen.Seeyoutomorrow.
24Takingleaveofsomeone
Goodrunningintoyou.runningintoyou=meetingupwithyou
Nicerunningintoyou.Nicetalkingtoyou.Takecare.(Itwas)goodtoseeyou.(Itwas)nicetoseeyou.Nicemeetingyou.Itwasapleasuremeetingyou.(formal)Itisapleasuretohavemetyou.
(formal)It’sbeenarealpleasure.(formal)
25Leavingaplace
Arewereadytoleave?Areyouaboutfinished?Areyoureadytogo?Readytogo?Readytoroll?(slang)Areweaway?(slang)Let’sblow.(slang)
blow=leaveLet’sgetoutofthistacostand.(slang)tacostand=acheapplace;an
undesirableplaceLet’sblowthisjoint.(slang)=Let’sleavethisplace.Let’sgowhilethegoing’sgood.(cliché)Let’s=Timeto,We’vegottoLet’sgetwhilethegetting’sgood.(cliché)Let’sheadout.Let’sbeatahastyretreat.(cliché)Let’smaketracks.(informal)maketracks=
leaveatrail(aswego)Let’smotor.(slang)tomotor=toleavebyautomobileLet’shittheroad.(slang)Let’sboogie.(slang)Let’ssplit.(slang)
Let’smakelikeatreeandleave.(jocular)Let’smakelikethewindandblow.(jocular)Let’smakelikeabananaandsplit.(jocular)Exitstageright.
Exitstageleft.Retreat!(slang)
26Whensomeoneisleavingonajourney
Bonvoyage!Haveagoodtrip!Haveaniceflight.
Haveanicetrip.Haveasafetrip.Haveasafejourney.Drivecarefully.Takecareofyourself.Takecare.We’llmissyou.Allthebest.
27Makingplanstokeepintouchwithsomeone
I’llcallyouwhenIgethome.Callwhenyougetthere.Don’tforgettocall.Writeme.Let’swrite.You’vegotmye-mailaddress?Textme.I’monFacebook.
Facebook=Twitter,MySpace,LinkedIn,etc.Let’sdolunch.I’llbeintouch.Let’skeepintouch.
Agreeing
28Simpleagreement
Yes.Yeah.(informal)Yep.(informal)Yup.(informal)Right.You’reright.Rightyouare.Righton!Right-o.Uh-huh.Sure.Surething.Yougotit.Youbet.Absolutely.Byallmeans.
29Statingyourconcurrence
Thisistrue.That’strue.
That’strue.You’reright.Ain’tthatthetruth?Ain’titthetruth?
That’sright.That’sforcertain.That’sforsure.That’sfordarnsure.That’sfordamnsure.(mildlyvulgar)Damnstraight!(mildlyvulgar)Itworks
forme.Wellsaid.Iagree.Iagreewithyou100percent.Icouldn’tagreewithyoumore.Ihavenoproblemwiththat.Weseeeyetoeyeonthis.Icouldn’thavesaiditbetter.Youtookthewordsrightoutofmymouth.I’lldrinktothat!
30Expressingacceptance
It’sfine.Ithinkit’sfine.It’sgoodenough.It’ssatisfactory.It’lldo.It’llservethepurpose.Ilikeit.Iloveit.Ithinkit’sgreat.Ilikethecolor.Ilikethetexture.Iliketheflavor.It’sgotagoodrhythm.It’swonderful.It’sfabulous.It’sideal.It’samasterpiece.
It’sperfect.It’sA-1.Thisissecondtonone.Thisisperfect.Thisisfarandawaythebest.Thisistheultimate.Itcouldn’tbebetter.Neverbeenbetter.There’snonebetter.Itdoesn’tgetanybetterthanthis.I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.Thisisthecreamofthecrop.(cliché)Thisisthepickofthelitter.(idiomatic)
litter=agroupofnewbornpupsThisisthecrêmedelacrême.(cliché)=Thisisthebestofthebest.Thisisheadandshouldersabovetherest.ThatsuitsmetoaT.
=Thatsuitsmefine.That’stheticket.(idiomatic)That’sjustwhatthedoctorordered.(idiomatic)
That’sjustwhatIneeded.Thathitsthespot.(idiomatic)Thatfitsthebill.(idiomatic)That’sit.That’sthegreatestthingsinceslicedbread.(cliché)It’sinaleagueofitsown.Igiveitfourstars.Itgetstwothumbsup.(idiomatic)I’vehitthejackpot.
jackpot=sumofmoneytobewoningamblingBingo!(slang)
=Ididit!Jackpot!(slang)
=Ididit!;Itisgood!Bull’s-eye!(slang)Bonusscore!(slang)
31Statingthatyouunderstand
Ihearyou.Ihearyou,man.Ihearwhatyou’resaying.Iseewhatyou’resaying.Icanseewhatyou’resaying.Icanseethat.Iseewhatyoumean.Iseewhereyou’recomingfrom.Iknow.Iknowwhatyoumean.Pointwelltaken.Iknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Iunderstandwhatyou’resaying.Understood.Idigit.(slang)Icandigit.(slang)Igotyou.Gotcha.(I)gotit.
(I)gotit.Ifollowyou.I’mwithyou.I’mtherewithyou.I’vebeenthere.Readyouloudandclear.Roger.Roger,wilco.
wilco=willcomplyRogerDodger.(slang)
32Makingsureyouareunderstood
DoyouknowwhatImean?DoyouknowwhatI’mtalkingabout?KnowwhatImean?Doesthatmakeanysense?AmImakingsense?Areyoufollowingme?KnowwhatI’msaying?Youknow?DoyouseewhatImean?
DoyouseewhatImean?SeewhatImean?Don’tyousee?Doyougetthemessage?Doyougetthepicture?Getthemessage?Getthepicture?Getmydrift?Doyougetit?Getit?Doyoufollow?Doyoufollowme?Dig?(slang)
=Doyouunderstand?Understand?Doyouunderstand?DoyouhearwhatI’msaying?Doyouhearme?DoyouseewhereI’mcomingfrom?
whereI’mcomingfrom=whatmypositionisDoyouagree?You’rewithme,right?Areyouwithmeonthis?Doweseeeyetoeyeonthis?
Disagreeing
33Statingsimpledisagreementorrefusal
No.Nope.Noway.Notachance.
Notachance.Not!(slang)Uh-uh.Idon’tthinkso.
34Statingcategoricaldisagreement
That’snottrue.That’snotright.You’vegotthatwrong.You’vegotitallwrong.Wrong!Youmissedtheboat.(idiomatic)You’remissingtheboat.(idiomatic)Wrong
onbothcounts.You’rewrong.You’redeadwrong.You’reoff.You’rewayoffbase.
35Statingstrongdisagreement
Idisagreecompletely.Icouldn’tdisagree(withyou)more.
Horsefeathers!(slang)Bullshit.(taboo)That’sBS.(mildlyvulgar)Bull.(mildlyvulgar)Baloney.(slang)That’saloadofcrap.(mildlyvulgar)That’salotofbull.(mildlyvulgar)That’s
alotofbaloney.(slang)That’sabunchofbaloney.(slang)That’sabunchofmalarkey.(slang)Lies!
That’salie.That’sabig,fatlie.(informal)You’relyingthroughyourteeth.Lookmeintheeyeandsaythat.
36Statingyourdisagreementwithaproposition
That’soutofthequestion.That’sunthinkable.That’sinsane.Thatdoesn’tevenmeritaresponse.I’llgivethatalltheconsiderationit’sdue.
37Expressingrejection
Ican’tstandit.Ihateit.
Ihateit.Idon’tcareforit.Idon’tlikeit.It’snotmystyle.It’snotforme.Itstinks.(informal)Itsucks.(mildlyvulgar)Itreeks.(informal)Mykidcoulddothat.It’sawful.It’sterrible.It’sugly.It’shideous.It’sdreadful.It’shellonearth.(informal)Idon’tgetit.Don’tquityourdayjob.
38Expressingrefusal
No.Nope.(informal)Noway.
Noway.Noway,José.(informal)Nocando.(informal)No,sir.Nosirree.(folksy)Nosirree,Bob.(folksy)Sorry.Nothingdoing.You’reoutofluck.Inapig’seye.(idiomatic)Whenpigsfly.(idiomatic)Whenhellfreezesover.
(informal)Thereisn’tasnowball’schanceinhell.(informal)Notachance.Nochance.NotifIcanhelpit.Notlikely.Notbloodylikely.(mildlyvulgar)Absolutelynot!ItwillbeacolddayinhellbeforeIdothat.(informal)Onlyinyourdreams.Dreamon.Saveyourbreath.Saveit.You’rebarkingupthewrongtree.(idiomatic)Overmydeadbody.(idiomatic)
Forgetit.Ifyouthinkthat,you’vegotanotherthinkcoming.Notinamillionyears.Notforamilliondollars.Youcouldn’tpaymetodoit.Notinyourwildestdreams.Youwish.I’llbedamnedfirst.(mildlyvulgar)I’llbedamnedifIdo.(mildlyvulgar)
DamnedifIwill.(mildlyvulgar)Likehell.(mildlyvulgar)I’llseeyouinhellfirst.(mildlyvulgar)
39Statingthatsomeoneiswrong
Whatareyoutalkingabout?
Whatareyoutalkingabout?Youdon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Youdon’thavealegtostandon.Youhaven’tgotalegtostandon.Youdon’tknowthefirstthingaboutit.You’rereallystretchingthetruth.You’rewayoffbase.Youcanlaythatnotiontorest.
40Arguingaboutthefacts
You’vegotitallwrong.You’vegotthefactswrong.You’vegotyourfactswrong.Youhaven’tgotthefacts.Youhaven’tgotthefactsright.Idon’tthinkyou’vegotyourfactsstraight.Don’tspeakuntilyou’vegotyourfactsstraight.Nexttimegetthefactsstraight.(informal)Nexttimegetthefactsfirst.
(informal)Don’tjumptoconclusions.
CONVERSATIONALENCOUNTERS
FocusingAttention
41Gettingsomeone’sattention
Pardonme.(formal)Excuseme.Hey!(informal)Hey,you!(informal)Yo!(slang)
42Gettingsomeonetolistentoyou
Lookhere.(informal)Listenhere.(informal)Listenup.(informal)Getaloadofthis.(informal)Nowhearthis!(informal)Hearmeout.Areyoureadyforthis?(informal)Listen.(informal)Areyoulisteningtome?Areyoupayingattention?I’mtalkingtoyou.Doyouhearme?
Doyouhearme?DoIhaveyourear?(idiomatic)CanIbendyourearaminute?(idiomatic)Am
Imakingmyselfheard?
43Directingattentiontoanobject
Lookatthis.Takealookatthis.
Getaloadofthis.Takeaganderatthat.(informal)agander=alookFeastyoureyesonthis.Lookwhatwehavehere.Lookiehere.(informal)Lookit.(slang)Lookhere.Canyoueyeballthis(foraminute)?(slang)toeyeball=tolookatCanyoubelieveyoureyes?Idon’tbelievemyeyes.Domyeyesdeceiveme?That’sasightforsoreeyes.
44Confirmingthatyouarepayingattention
Ihearyou.Iheardyou.I’mlistening.I’mstillhere.I’mallears.
LaunchingtheConversation
45Startinganinformalconversation
Guesswhat?Haveyouheardthelatest?Haveyouheard?Didyouhearwhathappened?Didyouhearthenews?Didyougetthescoop?(informal)thescoop=themostrecentnewsYou’llneverguesswhatIheard.You’llneverguesswhatIreadonline.GuesswhatIjustsawonline.GuesswhatIjustfoundout.Youwon’tbelievethis.Youwon’tbelievewhatBilljusttoldme.Getaloadofthis.(informal)aload=asamplingGetthis.(informal)Digthis.(slang)
todig=tounderstand
46Invitingsomeonetotalk
Yougotaminute?Gotaminute?Ineedtotalk.Canwetalk?CanItalktoyou?MayIhaveawordwithyou?(formal)Let’stalk.Let’schewthefat.(slang)Let’sshootthebreeze.(slang)
47Comingtothepointofthematter
MayIbefrank?Letmebeperfectlyclear.Makenobonesaboutit.(idiomatic)=Donotmakeanybonesofcontention
aboutthis.Readmylips.(informal)
=PaycloseattentiontowhatIamsaying.(Toamakea)longstoryshort.(cliché)Let’scallaspadeaspade.(cliché)Let
mespellitoutforyou.Here’sthebottomline.
thebottomline=thesummation;thefinalandmajorpoint
48Requestingthatthespeakergettothepoint
What’syourpoint?What’sthepoint?What’stheupshot?
theupshot=theresultWhat’sthebottomline?
thebottomline=thesummation;thefinalandmajorpointWhatareyoutryingtosay?Whatareyoutryingtotellme?Gettothepoint.Gettotheheartofthematter.Cuttothechase.(idiomatic)=Switchtothefocalpointofsomething.
49Variousconversationalphrases
IfImay.=IfImayinterrupt.;IfImayaddsomeinformation.
PardonmyFrench.=Pardonmyuseofvulgarwords.
Nopunintended.=Iintendedtomakenojokeorplayonwords.
IfyouknowwhatImean.=IassumeyouunderstandwhatImean.
KnowwhatImean?(informal)=DoyouunderstandwhatIamsaying?YouknowwhatI’msaying?
=DoyouunderstandwhatIamsaying?Youknow?
Youknow?=DoyouunderstandwhatIamsaying?
Right?=Isthatnotso?
OK?=Isthatnotso?
50Encouragingsomeonetospeakplainly
Enoughalready.(informal)Outwithit!(informal)=Sayit!;Speakout!
Don’tmincewords.tomince=tocutupordisguise
Spare(me)nothing.Layitontheline.(informal)Tellittomelikeaman.(informal)Giveittome
straight.(informal)straight=unadornedGiveittomeinplainEnglish.
plainEnglish=simpleanddirecttermsDon’tbeataroundthebush.(idiomatic)Stopbeatingaroundthebush.
(idiomatic)Stopcircumventingtheissue.Putyourcardsonthetable.(idiomatic)Stopspeakingincircles.WhatdoesthatmeaninEnglish?(informal)Cutthecrap.(mildlyvulgar)crap
=dung=needlesstalk
51Notingdigressionsinaconversation
That’sbesidethepoint.That’sbesidethequestion.That’snotatissue.That’snottheissue.That’sirrelevant.Thathasnothingtodowithit.ThathasnothingtodowithwhatI’mtalkingabout.That’sanotherstory.That’sawhole‘notherstory.(folksy)That’sadifferentballofwax.(idiomatic)
ballofwax=thing;matterThat’sadifferentkettleoffish.(idiomatic)kettleoffish=thing;matterThat’sanothercanofworms.(idiomatic)canofworms=setofproblemsThat’sahorseofadifferentcolor.(idiomatic)ahorseofadifferentcolor=a
differentkindofproblemaltogetherYou’reoffonatangent.You’regettingoffthesubject.Asyouweresaying...Gettingbacktothepoint...ButIdigress.(formal)
52Repeatingwhatyouhavesaid
Letmerepeatmyself.Allowmetorepeatmyself.(formal)Attheriskofrepeatingmyself...AsI’vesaid...AsIamfondofsaying...Toreiterate...Torepeat...HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyou?IfI’vetoldyouonce,I’vetoldyouathousandtimes.(cliché)IfI’vesaidit
once,I’vesaiditamilliontimes.(cliché)
53Whensomeoneisbeingrepetitious
Soyousaid.Stopbeatingadeadhorse.
beatingadeadhorse=continuingtoargueapointthathasbeenwon
Stopharpingonthatsubject.harpingon=dwellingon;talkingabout
Yousoundlikeabrokenrecord.(idiomatic)brokenrecord=agroovedLPalbumwithascratchthatmakesthesametrackrepeatendlessly
Mustyoubelaborthepoint?Allright,already.Wegetthepoint,already.Weheardyou,already.
54Agreeingwithaspeaker
Soitseems.Soitwouldseem.Orsoitwouldappear.Asitwere.
Asitwere.Sotospeak.Inamannerofspeaking.
55Answersto“Howdidyoufindout?”
Ihearditthroughthegrapevine.thegrapevine=achainofrumors
Ihearditonthegrapevine.Alittlebirdtoldme.(cliché)Ihavemysources.Igotitstraightfromthehorse’smouth.(idiomatic)fromthehorse’smouth=
fromthesourceIt’scommonknowledge.Weliveinafishbowl.(informal)=Wearecompletelyondisplay.;Weare
openlyvisibletoeveryone.Wordtravelsfast.(cliché)Newstravelsfast.(cliché)Badnewstravelsfast.
(cliché)Noneofyourbusiness.(informal)Justnever(you)mind.Wehaveourways(offindingthesethingsout).(jocular)Ipleadthefifth.
(informal)I’mtakingthefifth.(informal)thefifth=theFifthAmendmenttotheU.S.Constitution,whichprotectsagainstself-incrimination
I’mnotonetokissandtell.(cliché)tokissandtell=todosomethingsecretandtelleveryoneaboutit
MakingFriends
56Expressingfriendship
We’reveryclose.We’retheclosestoffriends.We’rethebestoffriends.We’rebestfriends.We’reprettytight.They’rebosombuddies.She’smybestfriend.She’smyclosestfriend.She’sadearfriend.She’slikeasistertome.He’slikethebrotherIneverhad.We’relikebrothers.
57Commentingontheuniquenessofsomeone
He’soneofakind.Sue’soneofakind.Whatacharacter!Theydon’tmakethemlikehimanymore.(cliché)Aftertheymadehim,they
brokethemold.(cliché)
58Commentingonpersonalsimilarities
We’retwoofakind.They’retwoofakind.We’recutfromthesamecloth.We’remadefromthesamemold.We’rebirdsofafeather.(cliché)We’reliketwopeasinapod.
59Expressionsusedtomakefriendsatabarorcafé
MayIjoinyou?Isthisstooltaken?Isthisseattaken?DoyoucareifIjoinyou?CareifIjoinyou?DoyoumindifIjoinyou?MindifIjoinyou?Caretojoinus?CanIbuyyouadrink?CouldIbuyyouadrink?CouldIgetyousomethingtodrink?Whatareyoudrinking?Doyouknowwhodoesthissong?
Doyouknowwhodoesthissong?does=sings
Wouldyouliketoplaydarts?Let’splaypool.
pool=billiards
60Invitingsomeonetodance
Caretodance?Wouldyouliketodance?Youwanttodance?(informal)CouldIhavethenextdance?MayIhavethenextdance?(formal)
61Approachingtheoppositesex
That’saprettyoutfit.(maletofemale)That’saprettydress.(maletofemale)What’sshaking?(slang)shaking=happening
Don’tIknowyoufromsomewhere?Didn’twegotohighschooltogether?Haven’tIseenyouherebefore?Doyoucomehereoften?
Doyoucomehereoften?What’sanicegirllikeyoudoinginaplacelikethis?(maletofemale,cliché)
Doyouhaveasmoke?asmoke=acigarette
Doyouhavealight?alight=amatchorcigarettelighter
Doyouhaveacigarette?Doyouhavechangeforthecigarettemachine?Wouldyouliketogosomewherequieter?Areyougoingmyway?Goingmyway?(cliché)CouldIgiveyoualift?
alift=arideNeedalift?Wherehaveyoubeenkeepingyourself?Wherehaveyoubeenallmylife?(cliché)
62Askingsomeoneforadate
AreyoufreeSaturdayevening?AreyoufreeSaturdaynight?Areyoubusyonthe15th?Whatareyouuptothisweekend?Whatareyoudoingnextweekend?Wouldyouliketogotodinner?Wouldyouliketogoouttodinnerwithme?Iwaswonderingifyou’dliketogoout.Iwaswonderingifyou’dliketoseeamovie.Ifyou’renotdoinganything,wouldyouliketogotoapartywithme?Ifyoudon’thaveotherplans,wouldyouliketogodancing?
63Turningsomeonedown
I’mnotinterested.I’mseeingsomeoneelse.Ihaveotherplans.I’vegotsomethinggoingon.Somethingsuddenlycameup.Ihavetowashmyhair.Mycalendarisfull.You’renotmytype.Notifyouwerethelastmanonearth.(rude)Youmustbejoking.(rude)Idon’t
feeluptoit.Ihaveaheadache.Please.(withadisgustedtoneofvoice)
64Bringingaconversationtoanend
Let’scallitaday.Let’scallitanight.Let’scallitquits.
=Let’squit(andleave).Let’sgetoutofhere.Let’sgetgoing.
Let’sgetgoing.Let’sgo.Weshouldbeonourway.Let’sbidourfarewell.(formal)Let’ssayourgood-byes.(formal)
ComplexMatters
65Expressingsupportforsomeone
I’llstandbyyou.I’mstandingbehindyou.Iam100percentbehindyou.I’mwithyou.I’monyourside.I’vegotyourback.(informal)You’vegotmysupport.You’vegotmybacking.You’vegotmyvote.Youcancountonme.Youcanleanonme.Youcantrustme.Youcanputyourtrustinme.
Youcanputyourtrustinme.Youcanputyourfaithinme.
66Offeringhelptosomeone
Ifthere’sanythingIcandotohelp,pleaseletmeknow.Letmeknowifthere’sanythingIcando.I’mhereifyouneedme.I’mhereforyou.Ifyouneedme,call.I’llalwaysbethereforyou.I’llgotobatforyou.
togotobatforyou=tosupportyouI’lltaketherap.(slang)therap=theblame
67Expressingtrustinsomeone
Ihavefaithinyou.Ihavetheutmostfaithinyou.Ihavecompletefaithinyou.Itrustyoucompletely.Itrustyouimplicitly.Ihavefaithinyou.Ihaveconfidenceinyou.
68Expressingencouragement
Goon;youcandoit!Justonemore.Justalittleharder.Hanginthere.Stickwithit.Stayatit.Goforit.Giveitatry.Giveitashot.
ashot=atryGiveityourbestshot.Giveityourbest.Keepatit.Keepyournosetothegrindstone.(idiomatic)=Keepbentoveryourwork.=
Keepworkinghard.Hanginthere.(informal)Hangtough.(slang)Stickitout.(informal)
69Encouragingsomeonetotrysomething
Haveagoatit.
ago=atryTakeashotatit.(informal)ashot=atryTakeastabatit.(informal)astab=atry
Takeacrackatit.(informal)acrack=atryHaveacrackatit.Takeawhackatit.(informal)awhack=atryComeon.(informal)Itwon’thurtyoutotryit.Everybody’sdoingit.Everyoneelseisdoingit.It’salltherage.
therage=thecurrentfadTryyourluck.Seewhatyoucando.Nothingventured,nothinggained.(cliché)Goon.Getgoing.Getgoingalready.Getmoving.Nopain,nogain.(cliché)Getamoveon.(informal)Getcracking.(slang)
Getonthestick.(slang)Gettheleadout.(slang)Getoffyourass.(mildlyvulgar)
70Encouragingsomeonetostopstallinganddosomething
Let’sseesomeaction.(informal)It’snowornever.Takenoprisoners!(informal)Fishorcutbait!(idiomatic)Knockyourselfout.
(idiomatic)=Tryreallyhard.;Workashardasyoucan.Goforbroke.(informal)
=Riskeverything.Iexpecttoseesomeresultssoon.Areyoujustgoingtostandthereallday?Areyoujustgoingtositthere?Aren’tyougoingtodoanything?Areyoujustgoingtosittherelikeabumponalog?(informal)abumponalog
=amotionlessobjectYou’relettingtheworldpassyouby.
71Expressingdissatisfactionwithsomeone’sefforts
Thatwon’tdo.Thatwon’tdoit.
Thatwon’tdoit.Thatdoesn’tcutit.(idiomatic)tocutit=todowhatisneededThatdoesn’tcutthemustard.(idiomatic)tocutthemustard=tomeasureupto
expectationsThatdoesn’tmakethegrade.
tomakethegrade=toqualifyIsthatit?It’snotuptosnuff.Isthatall?Youcallthatfinished?Oncemorewithfeeling.(cliché)
72Askingsomeonetowait
Wait.Waitamoment.Waitaminute.Waitasec(ond).Waitonemoment.Waitoneminute.Waitonesec(ond).Waititout.Waityourturn.
Justamoment.Justaminute.Justasec(ond).Justonemoment.Justoneminute.Justonesec(ond).Holdyourhorses.(idiomatic)=Waitabit.Keepyourpantson.(informal)=Waitabit.Keepyourshirton.(informal)=Waitabit.
73Encouragingsomeonetobepatientandtakethingsslowly
Takethingsastheycome.Takeitasitcomes.Takeitonedayatatime.Takethingsonedayatatime.Takeonedayatatime.Timewilltell.(cliché)=Wewillknowmoreintime.Romewasn’tbuiltinaday.(cliché)=Bigprojectsrequirealotoftime.Awatchedpotneverboils.(cliché)=Payingconstantattentiontosomething
youarewaitingforwillmakethewaitseemendless.Goodthingscometohimwhowaits.(cliché)Onestepatatime.
Onedayatatime.Goodthingscometothosewhowait.(cliché)Patienceisavirtue.(cliché)In
goodtime.Allingoodtime.Everythinginitstime.
There’satimeforeverything.Itwillworkoutintheend.Everythingwillcometogether.Everythingwillfalltogether.Everythingwillfallintoplace.Inthelongrun,everythingwillbeOK.(informal)Inthelonghaul,itwillall
workout.Everythingwillworkitselfout.Iamconfidentitwillallworkout.Itain’tovertillit’sover.(informal)Itain’tovertillthefatladysings.(cliché)
=Theoperaisnotoveruntiltheoverweightoperasingerhasdonehersolo.=Theeventwillnotconcludeuntileverythingthatwasplannedtohappenhashappened.
74Encouragingsomeonetobeprudent—clichés
Don’tjumpthegun.
Don’tjumpthegun.tojumpthegun=tostartaracebeforethestartinggunisfired=todosomethingtooearly
Don’tgooffhalf-cocked.half-cocked=ill-prepared
Don’tgochompingatthebit.chomp=tobite(aswithaneagerhorse)
Don’tputthecartbeforethehorse.Don’tcountyourchickensbeforetheyhatch.
=Don’tbaseyourplansonsomethingthathasn’tdevelopedyet.Don’tcrossthatbridgetillyoucometoit.
=Wewilldealwiththatwhenthetimecomes.We’llcrossthatbridgewhenwecometoit.Don’tgetaheadofyourself.
75Givingadvicetosomeonewhoselifeistoobusy
Youcan’tpleaseeverybody.(cliché)Youcan’tbeallthingstoallpeople.(cliché)You’vegotyourfingersintoomanypies.(idiomatic)You’vegotyourironsintoomanyfires.(idiomatic)You’reburningthecandleatbothends.(cliché)You’retakingtoomanythingson.
You’retakingontoomuch.You’redoingtoomuch.You’retryingtodotoomuch.You’reovercommitted.You’reoverdoingit.You’recarryingtheworldonyourshoulders.Youneedtosetyourpriorities.
76Givinginstructionstosomeoneyou’velentsomethingto
Takecareofit.Takegoodcareofit.I’mtrustingyoutotakegoodcareofit.Keepaneyeonit.Guarditwithyourlife.Don’tletitoutofyoursight.Iwantthisback.Iwantitbackinonepiece.
inonepiece=unbroken;unharmedBringitbackinonepiece.
77Introducingasecret
Justbetweenyouandme...Justbetweenyou,me,andthelamppost...Thisisbetweenyou,me,andthebedpost.Thisisbetweenyou,me,andthefourwalls.I’mtellingyouthisinconfidence.I’mtellingyouthisinstrictcon?dence.I’mtellingyouthisinstrictestconfidence.
I’mtellingyouthisinstrictestconfidence.Canyoukeepasecret?Don’trepeatthis,but...Don’tletthisgetaround,but...Couldyoukeepasecret?Confidentially...
78Instructionsaboutkeepingasecret
Betterkeepquietaboutit.Betterkeepstillaboutit.Keepittoyourself.Don’tbreatheawordofthistoanyone.Don’tbreatheawordofit.Don’tletitoutofthisroom.
it=thesecretDon’tletthisgoanyfurther.Don’ttellasoul.
asoul=apersonMum’stheword.
mum=awordreferringtoaclosedmouth
It’sontheQT.(slang)QT=quiet
Playdumb.Thisistopsecret.Thisisforyoureyesonly.Thisisforyourearsonly.Don’tsayItoldyou.Don’tsaywhotoldyou.Thisisofftherecord.
offtherecord=nottobereportedorquotedThisisnotfortherecord.Thisisnottobequoted.Thisisnotforpublicknowledge.Thisisnotpublicknowledge.Thisisnotforpublication.
79Promisingtokeepasecret
Iwon’ttellasoul.asoul=aperson
Mylipsaresealed.(cliché)Itwon’tleavethisroom.Wildhorsescouldn’tdragitoutofme.(cliché)I’lltakeittomygrave.
=I’lldiewithouttellingthesecrettoanyone.
80Forgetfulness
WherewasI?=WhatwasIsaying?
WhatwasIsaying?Whatwerewetalkingabout?Idon’tremember.Ihaveamindlikeasieve.
asieve=astrainerorcolanderI’malittleabsentminded.
absentminded=forgetfulI’dlosemyheadifitweren’tattached.(informal)I’velostmytrainofthought.
trainofthought=sequenceofthoughtsIt’satthetipofmytongue.
=Itisaboutreadytobesaid.It’sonthetipofmytongue.It’sslippedmymind.Thethoughtescapesme.It’sleftmyhead.Whatwasyournameagain?Whatdidyoujustsay?
Itwentinoneearandouttheother.(cliché)Arewesupposedtobesomeplacerightnow?
81Whenyouareintrouble
I’mintrouble.I’minbigtrouble.I’mindeeptrouble.I’mindeep.I’minovermyhead.I’minwayovermyhead.I’mbehindtheeightball.(idiomatic)=I’mintroublewithsomeone.Myassisinasling.(mildlyvulgar)inasling=injured=atriskMyassisontheline.(mildlyvulgar)ontheline=atriskMyneckisontheline.Myjobisontheline.Myreputationisontheline.Myreputationisatstake.
atstake=atrisk
82Whensomeoneisintrouble
Yourgooseiscooked.(idiomatic)=Youareintrouble.You’vereallyscrewedup.(informal)You’vedoneitnow.Nowyou’vedoneit.You’vereallydoneitthistime.You’reinforit.You’regonnagetit.(informal)Howcouldyoudosomethingsostupid?Whatkindofmessdidyougetyourselfinto?That’sanotherfinemessyou’vegottenusinto.(informal)Howareyougoing
todigyourselfoutofthisone?Howareyougoingtogetoutofthisone?You’vemadeyourbed;nowlieinit.
=Youhavecreatedthissituation,soyoumustendureit.You’reupthecreekwithoutapaddle.(informal)You’reupacreek.(informal)
You’reupthecreek.(informal)
83Whenyouareoutofmoney
I’mbroke.broke=withoutanymoney
I’mdeadbroke.I’mflatbroke.I’mflatterthanapancake.(informal)flatterthanapancake=asflatbrokeas
ispossibleIdon’thaveadollartomyname.
tomyname=inmyownershipIdon’thaveapennytomyname.Idon’thaveacenttomyname.Idon’thavearedcent.(informal)redcent=acopperpennyI’mbusted.(slang)
busted=withoutanymoneyI’maspoorasachurchmouse.(idiomatic)Mypocketsareempty.Ihaveemptypockets.AllIhaveistheshirtonmyback.
theshirtonmyback=theclothesthatyouseemeinI’vegotnothingbuttheshirtonmyback.AllIhaveismygoodname.
mygoodname=myreputationIdon’tknowwheremynextmealiscomingfrom.Mysavingsarewipedout.I’velosteverything.I’mbankrupt.
84Whensomeoneisindebt
I’minthered.red=redink=indebtedness
She’sinoverherhead(indebt).(idiomatic)I’muptomyearsindebt.(idiomatic)Bill’swritingrubberchecks.arubbercheck=abadcheck(thatbouncesbackfromthebankbecausethereisnomoneytopayit)
I’mborrowingfromPetertopayPaul.(idiomatic)I’mrobbingPetertopayPaul.(idiomatic)
85Expressingstressoranxiety
I’mgoingnuts.(slang)nuts=crazy
I’mgoingcrazy.
I’mlosingmymind.I’mlosingmymarbles.(informal)losingmymarbles=losingmyintellect
I’mfreakingout.(slang)I’mspazzingout.(slang)I’mmadattheworld.Ineedabreak.Ineedsomesleep.I’mgoingtoexplode.Myheadisgoingtoexplode.Everythingisgettingonmynerves.Ican’ttakeitanymore.Ican’ttakeanotherproblem.Ican’tdealwiththisanymore.I’monpinsandneedles.(idiomatic)onpinsandneedles=inanxious
anticipationI’montenterhooks.
tenterhooks=atypeofsharpnailusedforfasteningfabricI’mabundleofnerves.I’vegotbutterfliesinmystomach.(idiomatic)=Mystomachisfeelinglikeitis
fluttering.I’mcomingapartattheseams.I’mfallingapartattheseams.
86Whenyouareoverworkedanddoingtoomuch
I’mburningthecandleatbothends.(cliché)Iscarcelyhavetimetobreathe.Ihavenotimetocallmyown.
87Whensomeoneisanxiousandunderstress
Calmdown.Simmerdown.Controlyourself.(informal)Don’tgointohysterics.Don’tbesuchaworrywart.
aworrywart=apersonwhoworriesalotDon’tworryyourselfsick.Don’tlosesleepoverit.Don’tletitgettoyou.Don’ttroubleyourself.You’llsendyourselftoanearlygrave.
anearlygrave=anearlydeath
88Encouragingsomeonenottobeoffended—informal
Don’tgetallbentoutofshape!Don’tgetyournoseoutofjoint!Don’tbesosensitive!Learntorollwiththepunches.Ididn’tmeananyharm.
89Encouragingsomeonenottobeexcited
Pullyourselftogether.Don’tgetexcited.Don’tgetallexcited.Don’tgetallworkedup.Don’tblowyourstack.(slang)toblowyourstack=toloseyourtemper;togo
crazyDon’tloseyourcool.(slang)Don’tblowyourcool.(slang)Don’tblowa
gasket.(slang)Don’tgointohysterics.Don’tgointohystericsonme.Don’tflyoffthehandle.Don’tpopyourcork.(slang)topopyourcork=togocrazyDon’tworkyourselfintoatizzy.(informal)atizzy=adizzy,confusedstateDon’trunaroundlikeachickenwithitsheadcutoff.(informal)Restrain
yourself.Wouldyourestrainyourself?Getagrip(onyourself).(informal)Wouldyougetagrip?(informal)
90Encouragingsomeonetorelax
Mellowout.(slang)=Adoptacalmattitude.
Chillout.(slang)Chill.(slang)Keepcool.(slang)
Coolit.(slang)Coolyourjets.(slang)Cooloff.(informal)Cooldown.(informal)Slowdown.Simmerdown.Calmdown.Becalm.Calmyourself.Relax.Dealwithit.(informal)Holdyourhorses.(cliché)Keepyourshirton.
(informal)Keepyourpantson.(informal)Takeadeepbreath.Takeiteasy.Takeitslow.
Takeitslow.Takeatranquilizer!(informal)Takeapill!(informal)
91Encouragingsomeonetobelessaggressive—informal
Don’thaveacow!Don’thaveaconniptionfit.Don’tthrowafit.Don’thaveafit.Giveitabreak.Giveitarest.Yougotantsinyourpants?
92Whensomeoneiscoldandunfeeling—informal
You’reascoldasice.You’reacoldfish.You’recold-blooded.You’vegotaheartofstone.You’vegotnoheart.You’reheartless.You’rethick-skinned.Haveyounoqualms?Haveyounoscruples?Haveyounoconscience?Haveyounothoughtforanyonebutyourself?Thinkbeforeyouspeak.Thinkbeforeyouact.Tryputtingyourselfinmyshoes.
=Thinkwhatitisliketobeinmysituation.
93Whattosaytoasmoker
Thisisanonsmokingarea.Thisisanonsmokingbuilding.You’llhavetostepoutside.Pleaseobservetheno-smokingsigns.(formal)Canyouputthatout?Pleaseputthatout.I’msorry,you’llhavetoputthatout.I’msorry,thesmokeisbotheringme.Haveyoueverthoughtofquitting?It’syourfuneral.(informal)Yousmokelikeachimney.(informal)
94Asmoker’sresponsetoanonsmoker’scomplaint
Mindyourownbusiness.Gotoanonsmokingarea.Ican’tquit.Itriedquitting.Ihavenointentionofquitting.Sorry.
95Questionsasmokermightask
Gotamatch?Yougotalighter?CanIbumalight?
tobum=tobegCanIbumacigaretteoffyou?CanIhaveadrag?
adrag=apuffofsmokeWhereisthesmokingroom?Wherecanyousmokearoundhere?DoyoumindifIsmoke?
Disputes
96Criticismofsomeonewithwhomyoudisagree
You’reclueless.(informal)You’rewithoutaclue.(informal)Youwouldn’tknowthetruthifitjumpedupandbityouonthenose.(jocular)Shedoesn’tknownothing.(informal)Youdon’tknowbeans.(informal)Youdon’tknowupfromdown.(informal)Youdon’tknowwhichendisup.(informal)Youdon’tknowyourassfromyourelbow.(vulgar)Youdon’tknowyourassfromaholeintheground.(vulgar)Youdon’tknowqualityfromaholeintheground.(informal)quality=art,value,truth,engines,etc.
Don’tyouknowanything?
Don’tyouknowanything?Howcanyoubesostupid?(informal)Getyourheadoutofthesand.
(idiomatic)Thatain’tthewayIheardit.(folksy)That’snotwhatIheard.Letmesetyoustraight.
97Callingsomeonecrazy
You’reoffyourrocker.(informal)You’reoutofyourmind.(informal)He’stwobricksshyofaload.(slang)You’reoutofyourtree.(slang)You’reoutofyourhead.(informal)She’soutofherskull.(informal)You’velostyourmarbles.(informal)You’recrazy.(informal)
You’renuts.(informal)Theycan’tbeserious.You’reafewcardsshyofafulldeck.(idiomatic)You’reafewcardsshortofa
deck.(idiomatic)Youaren’tplayingwithafulldeck.(idiomatic)You’reonesandwichshortofapicnic.(idiomatic)Yourfrontporchlightisout.
You’vegoneovertheedge.You’vegoneoffthedeepend.You’renuttyasafruitcake.(cliché)
98Questioningsomeone’ssanity
Areyoucrazy?
Ishenuts?(slang)nuts=crazy
Areyoupsychotic,orwhat?Areyououtofyourmind?Areyououtofyourhead?Areyououtofyourgourd?(informal)gourd=headAreyououtofyourskull?(informal)Areyououtofyourtree?(slang)
Areyououtofit?Haveyougonecrazy?Haveyougoneinsane?Haveyougonemad?Haveyougonestarkravingmad?Haveyougoneloco?(informal)loco(Spanish)=crazyHaveyougoneplumbloco?(informal)plumbloco=completelycrazyHaveyoulostyourmind?Haveyoulostyoursenses?Haveyoulostyourmarbles?Haveyouwiggedout?(slang)Haveyoucompletelyflippedout?(slang)Have
youflippedyourlid?(slang)Haveyoucompletelylostit?(informal)Haveyoucompletelylosttouchwithreality?
Haveyoutakenleaveofyoursenses?
Haveyoutakenleaveofyoursenses?Doyouhaveascrewloose?(slang)Whatplanetareyoufrom?Doyouhaverocksinyourhead?(informal)Doyouhavebatsinyourbelfry?
(slang)Aretherebatsinyourbelfry?(slang)Areyouplayingwithafulldeck?(slang)
99Askingaboutthealertnessofsomeone
Hello?(informal)Whatareyouthinking?What’syourdeal?(informal)What’syourproblem?(informal)What([kindof]
drugs)areyouon?(informal)Whathaveyoubeensmoking?(informal)Where’syourhead?(informal)What’swithyou?(informal)Areyouserious?
Whatplanetareyouon?(informal)EarthtoBill.(informal)
100Encouragingsomeonetobemoresensible
Getalife!(informal)Getreal!Snapoutofit.Getwiththeprogram.(informal)Comebacktoearth.(informal)
101Askingindisbeliefordisagreement
Truly?Really?Forreal?(informal)Nokidding?Nofooling?(informal)Nolie?(informal)Noway!(informal)Areyouserious?Areyouforreal?(informal)Areyoupullingmyleg?Areyoubullshittingme?(mildlyvulgar)You’renotmakingthisup,areyou?You’remakingthisup,aren’tyou?You’renottryingtopulloneoveronme,areyou?
102Whensomeonesayssomethingoutrageous
Unbelievable!Getoutoftown!You’rekidding!You’vegottobekidding!You’vegottobekiddingme!Stopit!(informal)Comeon!(informal)Getoutofhere!(informal)Ican’tbelieveit!Doyouexpectmetobelievethat?Thatblowsmymind.(informal)
DiscussionandResolution
103Askingforanexplanation
Whatdoyoumean?Whatareyousaying?Whatareyoutryingtogetat?Whatareyougettingat?Doyoumeantotellme?What’sthebottomline?Thisallboilsdowntowhat?(idiomatic)Howso?Sowhat’stheupshot?What’sthepoint?
104Encouraginganexplanation
Ididn’tgetthat.Ididn’thearyou.Cuttothechase.(idiomatic)
105Whenyoudonotunderstandsomeone
Idon’tseewhatyou’regettingat.Idon’tgetit.Idon’tfollowyou.Idon’tfollow.
Idon’tfollow.I’mnotsureIfollow.I’mnotsureIgetyourpoint.I’mnotsureIknowwhatyoumean.
106Whensomeonedoesnotunderstandyou
That’snotwhatImeant.That’snotwhatIsaid.Ididn’tmeanthat.Ididn’tsaythat.Isaidnosuchthing.Ididn’tmeantogiveyouthatimpression.Ididn’tmeantoimplythat.
107Criticizingsomeone’smisunderstanding
Listentome.Openyourears.(informal)Getthewaxoutofyourears.(informal)You’renot
listeningtowhatI’msaying.You’reonlyhearingwhatyouwanttohear.You’remissingthepoint.That’snotmypoint.That’snotthepointI’mtryingtomake.
That’snotthepointI’mtryingtomake.You’vegotitwrong.You’vegotitallwrong.You’vegotmewrong.You’vetwistedmywords.You’reputtingwordsinmymouth.You’requotingmeoutofcontext.You’retakingitoutofcontext.You’reblowingitoutofproportion.You’reblowingthisalloutofproportion.
108Attemptingtoputanendtoamisunderstanding
Letmerephrasethat.Letmeclarifythat.Allowmetoclarify.Letmemakemyselfclear.Letmemakemyselfperfectlyclear.
109Encouragingsomeonetobelieveyou
Honest.
Honestly.Truly.True.That’sthetruth.That’sthehonesttruth.That’sthehonest-to-goodnesstruth.Honesttogoodness.That’sthetruth,thewholetruth,andnothingbutthetruth.Crossmyheartandhopetodie.(juvenile)WouldIlie?WouldIlietoyou?WhywouldIlie?Iswear.Isweartoyou.IswearonastackofBibles.(mildoath)Iswearonmymother’sgrave.
(informal)IsweartoGod.(mildoath)MayGodstrikemedownifIamnottellingyouthetruth.)mildoath)That’sthegospeltruth.(informal)
110Askingtobetrusted
Takemywordforit.Youhavemyword.
Youhavemywordonthis.Igiveyoumyword.
Igiveyoumyword.Igiveyoumywordofhonor.Onmyhonor.Scout’shonor.(juvenile)Youcancountonit.Youcanbankonit.Youcantakeittothebank.Youbetterbelieveit.Youhadbetterbelieveit.Believeyoume.Trustme.Don’tbesuchadoubtingThomas.
111Statingthatsomethingissettled
It’scinched.It’slockedup.It’ssewnup.It’sasurething.It’sforsure.It’scertain.It’sinthebag.It’sadonedeal.It’sasgoodasdone.Nothingcangowrong.Whatcangowrong?All’swellthatendswell.(cliché)That’sthat.What’stogowrong?It’sgoingtohappen.There’snodoubtinmymind.There’snotadoubtinmymind.
112Claimingthatsomethingiseasytounderstand
It’sasplainasday.It’sasclearasday.
It’sasclearasday.It’sasplainasthenoseonyourface.(jocular)DoIneedtopaintyouapicture?
(informal)MustIpaintyouapicture?(informal)Thatgoeswithoutsaying.Anyfoolcanseeit.(informal)
113Showingdisbelief
Ifindthathardtobelieve.Unbelievable.Ifindthathardtoswallow.I’lltakethatwithagrainofsalt.(cliché)Iremainskeptical.I’llbelieveitwhenIseeit.Youcan’tfoolme.Youcan’tpullthewoolovermyeyes.Iwasn’tbornyesterday.
114Expressingignorance
Dunno.(informal)Idon’tknow.Idon’tknowandIdon’tcare.Idon’thaveaclue.Ihaven’taclue.I’mclueless.
Idon’thavethefaintestidea.Ihaven’tthefaintestidea.Ihaven’tthevaguestnotion.Idon’thavethefoggiestnotion.Haven’tthefoggiest.Beatsme.(informal)
Beatstheheckoutofme.(informal)Beatsthehelloutofme.(mildlyvulgar)Gotmebeat.(informal)
Yougotme(there).Gotmestumped.(informal)Gotme.HowwouldIknow?HowshouldIknow?HowthehellshouldIknow?(mildlyvulgar)LikeIwouldknow.(informal)
LikeIwouldknow?(informal)Igiveup.(informal)Searchme.(informal)Whoknows?Lordknows.(mildoath)Godonlyknows.(mildoath)
115Expressingreluctance
I’mafraidnot.‘Fraidnot.I’mafraidso.‘Fraidso.IfImust.(formal)Well,ifIhaveto.Well,ifyouinsist.Well,ifyoureallythinkso.Well,ifyoureallywantmeto.IguessIhavenochoiceinthematter.Itdoesn’tsoundlikeIhaveachoice.We’vegotnochoice.Wehavenoalternative.There’snoalternative.I’drathernot.I’dratherdie.I’dsoonerdie.Neverinathousandyears.Notinamillionyears.Overmydeadbody.(informal)
116Makingthebestofabadsituation
That’slife.That’sthewaylifeis.That’showitgoes.That’sthewayitgoes.That’sthewaytheballbounces.(cliché)That’sthewaythecookiecrumbles.
(cliché)Thingscouldbeworse.It’snotasbadasallthat.Lookonthebright(er)side.(cliché)Makethebestofit.Halfaloafisbetterthannone.(cliché)It’salwaysdarkestbeforedawn.(cliché)
Everycloudhasasilverlining.(cliché)Whenlifehandsyoulemons,makelemonade.(cliché)It’sthebestwecandounderthecircumstances.
Iwishwecoulddomore.Youdidthebestyoucould.Youdidthebestthatcouldbeexpected.YougetanAforeffort.Theimportantthingisthatyoutried.Winningisn’teverything.(cliché)Youcan’twinthemall.(cliché)It’snot
whetheryouwinorlose,it’showyouplaythegame.(cliché)Youmadeanobleeffort.
Truthisstrangerthanfiction.(cliché)Itwasjustoneofthosethings.(cliché)(Don’taskwhy;)itjustis.
Whyaskwhy?(informal)WhoamItoquestion?It’sforthebest.(cliché)It’sallforthebest.(cliché)WhenGodclosesadoor,
Heopensawindow.(cliché)Don’tletitgetyoudown.Keepyourchinup!(cliché)Chinup!Cheerup!Keepastiffupperlip.(cliché)Grinandbearit.(cliché)Grityourteeth.(cliché)
Takeitinstride.(cliché)Rollwiththepunches.(cliché)Acceptyourfate.You’vemadeyourbed;nowlieinit.(cliché)Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed,try,
tryagain.(cliché)Theimportantthingistolearnfromyourmistakes.Thethirdtime’sthecharm.(cliché)I’mbetweenarockandahardplace.
(cliché)I’mbetweenthedevilandthedeepbluesea.(cliché)I’mdamnedifIdoanddamnedifIdon’t.(mildlyvulgar)You’redamnedifyoudoanddamnedifyoudon’t.(mildlyvulgar)
117Blamingsomethingonfateordestiny
Itwasdestiny.Itwasdestinedtohappen.It’syourfate.Itwasfatedtohappen.It’sfate.It’sinthecards.
It’sinthecards.It’sinthestars.It’sthecruelhandoffate.That’skarma.It’sGod’swill.It’sallinGod’splan.Itwasmeanttobe.Quesera,sera.(Spanish)=Whateverwillbe,willbe.Whatwillbe,willbe.Whateverwillbe,willbe.Don’tfightit.Youcan’tfightit.Youcan’tfightCityHall.There’snothingyoucandoaboutit.Youhavetoplaythehandlifedealsyou.You’vegottoplaythehandyou’redealt.
118Knowingsomethingafterthefact
Ishouldhaveknown.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.IfI(only)knewthenwhatIknownow...IfI(just)knewthenwhatIknownow...IfI’dknownthenwhatIknownow...IfonlyIcouldturnbackthehandsoftime.IfIcouldonlyturnbacktheclock.It’seasytobewiseaftertheevent.That’seasytosayinhindsight.Hindsightis20/20.
20/20=goodvisionineacheyeattwentyfeet=hindsight
119Expressingindifference
Idon’tcare.Icouldn’tcareless.Icouldcareless.(informal)Idon’tgiveadamn.(mildlyvulgar)LikeIgivea
damn.(mildlyvulgar)Itdoesn’tmattertome.Reallydoesn’tmattertome.Makesnodifferencetome.Makesmenodifference.(informal)Makesmenonevermind.(folksy)Makes
nonevermindtome.(folksy)Eitherway.Whichever.Whatever.Sixofone,half(a)dozenoftheother.(informal)Uptoyou.
Whateveryouprefer.It’snotimportant.Iguessso.Iguess.
POLITEENCOUNTERS
Prefaces
120Aprefacetoaskingaquestion
Excuseme...Pardonme...Excusemeforasking...Ifyoudon’tmindmyasking...It’snoneofmybusiness,but...
121Aprefacetomakingastatement—formal
IfImaysayso...IfImaybesobold...Ifit’sokaywithyou...Ifitpleasesyou...Pleasebeadvisedthat...Foryourinformation...
Itisapleasuretoinformyouthat...Weregrettoinformyouthat...Asyouareaware...Asyouarenodoubtaware...Asyouknow...Asyoumightknow...Asyoumayalreadyknow...
122Aprefacetomakingastatement—informal
(Tomakea)longstoryshort...WhatIwouldliketosayis...ButIjustwantedtosay...Bytheway...Ifyouaskme...Notthatit’sanyofmybusiness...
123Aprefacetomakingastatement—verypolite
Asyourequested...Foryourconvenience...Weapologizefortheinconvenience...
Weapologizefortheinconvenience...Withyoursafetyinmind...Withyourcomfortinmind...
CommunicationBarriers
124Askingifsomeonespeaksaparticularlanguage
DoyouspeakFrench?French=Spanish,German,Russian,Italian,etc.
DoyouknowanyFrench?DoyouspeakanyFrench?
125Whenyoudonotspeakaparticularlanguage
I’msorry.Idon’tunderstand.I’msorry.Idon’tspeakFrench.
French=Spanish,German,Russian,Italian,etc.I’msorry.MyFrenchisn’tverygood.IonlyspeakalittleFrench.
126Whenyoudonotunderstandwhatwassaid
Pardonme?Excuseme?
Again,(please).I’msorry?I’msorry.Imissedthat.
missedthat=failedtohearwhatwassaidIdidn’tquitegetthat.
togetthat=tohearorunderstandwhatwassaidWhatdidyousay?I’msorry.What?What?Whatwasthat?Comeagain.(folksy)Huh?(informalorrude)Couldyoupleaserepeatyourself?Couldyoupleaserepeatthat?
127Whenyoudonotunderstandwhataforeignvisitorhassaid
Idon’tunderstandyou.Ican’tunderstandyou.Ican’thearyou.Pleasespeakmoreslowly.Couldyoupleasespeakslower?Couldyoupleasespeaklouder?Couldyouwriteitdown,please?Pleasewriteitout.Couldyouspellthat?
TellingTime
128Askingthetimeofday
Whattimeisit?Couldyoutellmewhattimeitis?Couldyoupleasetellmethetime?Couldyougivemethetime?Doyouknowwhattimeitis?Doyouknowthetime?Doyouhappentohavethetime?Doyouhavethecorrecttime?Doyouhavethetime?CouldIbotheryouforthetime?
129Thetimeis12:00o’clock
It’stwelvenoon.It’snoon.It’stwelvemidnight.It’smidnight.
130Thetimeisonthehour
It’sthree.It’sthreeo’clock.
It’sthreeo’clock.It’sthreeo’clocksharp.It’sthreeo’clockonthedot.It’sthreeo’clockonthenose.(informal)It’sexactlythreeo’clock.
131Thetimeisapproximate
It’salmostthree.It’snotquitethree.It’sjustafterthree.
132Thetimeistenminutespastthehour
It’stenafterthree.It’stenafter.It’stenminutesafterthree.It’stenpastthree.It’stenpast.
133Thetimeisfifteenorthirtyminutespastthehour
It’sthreefifteen.It’saquarterpastthree.
It’sthreethirty.It’shalfpastthree.It’shalfpast.
134Thetimeisfortyminutespastthehour
It’sthreeforty.It’stwentyoffour.It’stwentytofour.It’stwentytillfour.It’stwentyminutestillfour.
135Thetimeisforty-fiveminutespastthehour
It’sthreeforty-five.It’squartertofour.It’saquarteroffour.It’squarterto.It’saquarterof.It’saquartertill.It’saquartertillfour.
136Thetimeisfiftyminutespastthehour
It’stenminutestofour.It’stentofour.It’stento.It’stenof.It’stentill.
137Whenatimepieceisnotaccurate
Isthisclockright?Ithinkmywatchneedsanewbattery.Thisclockisfast.Thisclockisslow.Mywatchisrunningfast.Mywatchhasbeenrunningslow.
GeneralPleasantries
138Whenyourmovingaboutmaybothersomeone
Excuseme.Pardonme.Comingthrough.Ibegyourpardon.CouldIgetby,please?Watchyourfeet!
139Offeringtoletsomeoneenterinfrontofyou
Afteryou.Ladiesfirst.Youfirst.Agebeforebeauty.(jocularcliché)Bemyguest.
140Apologizingtosomeoneyouhavebothered
I’msorry.Forgiveme.Sorrytobeabother.Sorrytobeapest.Sorryfortheinconvenience.Pleaseforgivetheinconvenience.
141Returningsomeone’sgoodwishes
Sametoyou.Likewise.Likewise,I’msure.(cliché)Thankyou.
142Agreeingtosomething—polite
Ofcourse.
Ofcourse.Behappyto.Fine.Great.Super.(slang)
143Explainingthatyouwillattendtosomeonesoon
I’llbethereinjustamoment.Bethereinaminute.I’llberightwithyou.I’llbewithyouinamoment.
144Askingforpermissiontoleaveaplace—polite
CouldIbeexcused?MayIbeexcused?MightIbeexcused?(formal)
145Sayinggood-bye—polite
Goodafternoon.Goodevening.Goodmorning.Goodday.Goodnight.Haveaniceday.Good-bye.Bye.Bye-bye.Farewell.Good-byeuntillater.Good-byeuntilnexttime.Good-byefornow.
146Sayinggood-bye—informal
Solong.Ta-ta.Farewell.Cheerio.Seeyoulater.Seeyoulater,alligator.(slang)Later,gator.(slang)Later.I’lltrytocatchyoulater.I’llcatchyoulater.Catchyoulater.Seeyou.Seeya.Seeyouaround.Takecare.
BusinessPleasantries
147Announcingyourarrivalforanappointment
Mr.SmithtoseeDr.Jones.I’mheretoseeMrs.Hodges.CouldyoupleasetellMr.SmithI’mhere?
CouldyoupleasetellMr.SmithI’mhere?IhaveanappointmentwithMrs.Jones.
148Beingassertive—polite
I’dlikemychecknow,please.I’dlikemypaymentnow,please.No,Idon’tthinkso.
=Itotallyrejectyourassertion.Excuseme?
=DidyoureallysaywhatIthinkyousaid?MayIhaveyourname,please?I’dliketospeaktothemanager.I’dliketospeaktoyoursupervisor.Iintendtostandmyground.I’mnotleavinguntilI’msatisfied.
ApologizingandTakingResponsibility
149Sincereapologies
Sorry.Sosorry.I’m(so)verysorry.I’m(so)sorry.I’mreallysorry.I’mterriblysorry.I’msincerelysorry.Iapologize.Myapologies.(formal)Mysincereapologies.(formal)Youhavemysincereapology.(formal)Please
acceptmyapology.Pleaseacceptmyapologies.Pleaseacceptmyheartfeltapology.Ioffermymostsincereapology.(formal)
150Offeringaverypoliteapology
YoucannotbelievehowsorryIam.WordscannotdescribehowsorryIam.Iamjustmortified.Pleasesendmethebill,andI’lltakecareofit.
151Acceptingtheblameforsomething
It’smyfault.It’sallmyfault.I’mfullyresponsible.Itakefullresponsibility.Itaketheblame.Iblamenoonebutmyself.Meaculpa.(Latin)=Iamguilty.Maximaculpa.(Latin)
=Iamcompletelyguilty.
152Admittingyourerrors
Mymistake.Ishouldn’thavesaidthat.Ishouldn’thavedonethat.Ishouldhaveaskedyoufirst.Ididn’tmeanit.Ihonestlydidn’tmeanit.
Ididn’tmeanit,honest.Ididn’tmeantodoit.Ididn’tmeantodothat.Ididn’tmeantosaythat.Ididn’tmeanitthatway.Ididn’tintenditthatway.Idon’tknowhowthatcouldhavehappened.
153Promisingnevertorepeataparticularmistake
Itwon’thappenagain.Itwillneverhappenagain.I’llsee(toit)thatitneverhappensagain.Iwon’tdoitagain.
154Offeringtomakeamends
HowcanImakeituptoyou?HowcanIevermakeituptoyou?IsthereanythingIcando(tomakeituptoyou)?IpromiseI’llmakeituptoyou.
155Askingforforgiveness
Pleaseforgiveme.Canyouforgiveme?Canyoueverforgiveme?Canyoufinditinyourhearttoforgiveme?Howcanyoueverforgiveme?Iaskyourforgiveness.Ibegyourforgiveness.(formal)Ithrowmyselfuponyourmercy.(formal)I
askforyourmercy.(formal)
Forgiving
156Simpleforgiveness
Iforgiveyou.You’reforgiven.Allisforgiven.That’sallright.It’sokay.(informal)That’sokay.(informal)Don’tworryaboutit.Thinkonitnomore.(formal)Thinkofitnomore.(formal)Thinknomoreof
it.(formal)Don’tgiveitanotherthought.Toerrishuman,toforgivedivine.(cliché)
157Forgiveness—informal
Forgetit.Forgetaboutit.Forgiveandforget.Don’tworryaboutit.Writeitoff.I’llletyouoffthistime.I’llletitslidethistime.
I’llletitslidethistime.I’llgiveyouanotherchance.I’llturntheothercheek.Iwon’tholditagainstyou.
158Encouragingsomeonetoendadispute
Let’sdropthesubject.Let’sburythehatchet.(idiomatic)Let’sbringthismattertoaclose.It’stimetokissandmakeup.(cliché)
ShowingGratitude
159Saying“thankyou”—formal
Thankyou.Thankyouverymuch.Thankyousomuch.Thankyouforyourhelp.Thankyouforallyou’vedone.Thankyouforeverything.Youhavemythanks.
Youhavemythanks.Youhavemygratitude.I’mdeeplygrateful.I’minyourdebt.I’mindebtedtoyou.Thankseversomuch.Thanksverymuch.
160Saying“thankyou”—informal
Thanks.Thanksmuch.Thanksforeverything.Thankssomuch.Thanksalot.Thanksamillion.Thanksabunch.Thanksabundle.Thanksheaps.Ioweyouone.Ioweyoubig.Ioweyoubig-time.
ReturningThanks
161Acknowledgingsomeone’sthanks—formal
You’rewelcome.You’remostwelcome.You’reentirelywelcome.Mypleasure.Itwasmypleasure.Thepleasurewasmine.Thepleasurewasallmine.Thepleasurewasentirelymine.
162Acknowledgingsomeone’sthanks—informal
Itwasnothing.
Itwasnothing.Don’tmentionit.Noproblem.Nosweat.(slang)Anytime.Notrouble.Noskinoffmynose.Noskinoffmyteeth.Noskinoffmyback.
SpecialOccasions
163Seeinganewbaby
Oh,isn’thecute!Isn’thethesweetestthing!Oh,isn’tshedarling!She’sbeautiful.She’ssobig!Whatanadorablebaby!Hiseyesarejustlikehisfather’s.
Hiseyesarejustlikehisfather’s.Hernoselooksjustlikehermother’s.Shehasherfather’seyes.He’sgothismother’snose.
164Askingaboutanewbaby
Howmuchdoesheweigh?Washeearly?Wasshelate?What’shisname?Whoisshenamedafter?Hashebeensleepingwell?Isshesleepingthroughthenight?Doeshesleepthroughthenightyet?CanIholdher?MayIholdhim?
165Congratulatingsomeonefordoingagoodjob
Congratulations!Goodgoing!Goodjob!Goodwork!Bravo!
166Wishingsomeonewell
HappyBirthday!...andmany(many)more!Manyhappyreturns!HappyAnniversary!Congratulations!Goodluck!Bestwishes!Allourbest!Bonvoyage!(French)
(saidwhensomeoneisleavingonaseavoyage)Haveagoodtime!Haveagoodtrip!
167Expressingsympathyatafuneralorwake
I’msorry.I’msosorry.I’msosorryforyourloss.I’mverysorry.Youhavemysympathy.Youhavemydeepestsympathy.(formal)Pleaseacceptmysympathy.(formal)
Myheartgoesouttoyou.
Ishareyoursorrow.Ishareyourpain.Howareyoudoing?Ifyouneedanything,pleaseletusknow.Ifthere’sanythingwecandoforyou,pleaseletusknow.Ourthoughtsarewithyou.You’reinourprayers.We’llkeepyouinourprayers.
IMPOLITEENCOUNTERS
DealingwithUnpleasantness
168Whensomeoneisconceitedorvain
You’resovain.You’retoobigforyourbritches.(informal)britches=trousersYou’regettingalittlebigforyourbritches.(informal)Aren’tyougettinga
littlebigforyourbritches?(informal)You’resofullofyourself.(idiomatic)Youthinkyou’reprettysmart,don’tyou?(informal)Youthinkyou’resosmart.(informal)Youthinkyou’resobig.(informal)Youthinkyou’resuchabigshot.(informal)abigshot=animportantperson
Youlovethesoundofyourownvoice.(informal)Youjustliketohearyourselftalk.(informal)Youtalkjusttohearyourselfspeak.(informal)Youthinktheworldrevolvesaroundyou.
Theworlddoesn’trevolvearoundyou.Youthinkyou’rethecenteroftheuniverse.You’reallwrappedupinyourself.Allyouthinkaboutisyourself.Didyoueverstoptothinkaboutanyoneelse?
169Whensomeoneisoverbearing
Whodiedandmadeyouking?(informal)WhodiedandmadeyouPope?(informal)WhodiedandmadeyouGod?(informal)Smarty.(informal)
Smart-ass.(mildlyvulgar)Smartypants.(slang)Know-it-all.(informal)Getoffyourhighhorse.(informal)=Belessarrogant.Whodoyouthinkyouare?Youthinkyou’resosmart?(informal)Youandwhoelse?(informal)Youand
whatarmy?(slang)Whatmakesyousospecial?(informal)Don’tbreakyourarmpattingyourselfontheback.(idiomatic)Youthinkyou’resohot.(informal)hot=important
Youthinkyou’resuchhotstuff.(informal)hotstuff=someoneorsomethingimportant
170Whensomeonehasbeeninsolentorrude—shockedresponse
Thenerveofyou!nerve=impudence;brashness
Whatnerveyouhave!Youhavealotofnerve!You’vegotalotofnerve!Thenerve!Youhavealotofgall!
gall=nerveThegall!Theveryidea!Howdareyou!Why,Inever!Howcouldyousaysuchathing?Howcouldyoudosuchathing?Ibegyourpardon!
171Whensomeonehasbeeninsolentorrude—firmresponse
Don’tgetsmartwithme!Don’tgetsassywithme.(folksy)sassy=insolentDon’tsassme.(folksy)Don’ttalkbacktome.Don’tgivemeanyofyourlip.(informal)lip=insolenttalkDon’tgetuppityonme.(folksy)uppity=arrogantDon’tgetuppitywithme.(folksy)Don’tgetcocky.(informal)cocky=insolentDon’tgetfresh.(informal)fresh=insolent;impudentDon’tgetyournoseoutofjoint.(informal)Don’toverstepyourbounds.Watchyourself.Watchit.(informal)Watchout.(informal)
172Whensomeonehasbeeninsolentorrude—ruderesponse
Oh,asmartaleck?(informal)asmartaleck=aninsolentpersonOh,awiseguy?(slang)
awiseguy=asmartaleckOh,awiseacre?(slang)
awiseacre=asmartaleck
Oh,asmart-ass?(mildlyvulgar)asmart-ass=asmartaleckOh,asmartmouth?(slang)asmartmouth=animpudent-talkingsmartaleckWiseguy.(slang)Wiseacre.(slang)Smartaleck.(informal)Smart-ass.(mildlyvulgar)Wipethatgrinoffyourface.(informal)Wipethat
smirkoffyourface.(informal)
173Encouragingatimidperson
Showalittleresolve.Showsomecourage.Showsomespine.Don’tbesospineless.Don’tbesuchachicken-shit.(taboo)achicken-shit=acowardDon’tbesuchalily-liver.(informal)alily-liver=acoward
174Insultingacoward
Chicken!(slang)=Coward!
Wimp!(slang)=Coward!
Wuss!(slang)=Coward!
Fraidy-cat!(juvenile)afraidy-cat=acoward
Scaredy-cat!(juvenile)ascaredy-cat=acoward
You’reyellow.(informal)yellow=cowardlyYouyellow-belliedsapsucker.(informal)=Youcoward.Youareagutlesswonder.(slang)gutless=cowardlyYou’reafraidofyourownshadow.(informal)Areyouamanoramouse?
(cliché)Catgotyourtongue?(cliché)=Areyouafraidorunabletospeak?Gotcoldfeet?
=Areyoutoofrightenedtoact?Youreallywimpedout.(slang)wimpedout=withdrewinacowardlyfashionYoureallychickenedout.(slang)chickenedout=withdrewinacowardly
fashionLoseyournerve?
Loseyournerve?=Didyouloseyourresolve?
175Whensomeonearguestoomuch
Don’tcontradictme.Youseeeverythinginblackandwhite.
inblackandwhite=insimpleyes-notermsIfIsaiditwasblack,you’dsayitwaswhite.That’sasdifferentasdayandnight.It’s(thedifferencebetween)applesandoranges.You’rejustbeingcontrary.You’rejustdisagreeingtodisagree.You’rejustdisagreeingforthesakeofdisagreeing.You’rejustplayingthedevil’sadvocate.You’rejustarguingforthesakeofarguing.Youjustliketohearyourselftalk.
176Whensomeoneisbeingannoying
Wouldyoustopthat?Couldyoupleasestopdoingthat?
Couldyoupleasestopdoingthat?Youarereallytryingmypatience.That’sreallyannoying.That’sreallyirritating.That’sdrivingmenuts!(slang)That’smakingmecrazy!(informal)That’s
reallybothersome.That’sreallybotheringme.That’sreallybuggingme.(slang)bugging=botheringThat’sgettingonmynerves.(idiomatic)gettingonmynerves=annoyingmeThat’sgratingonmynerves.
gratingonmynerves=irritatingme
177Invitinganannoyingpersontoleave
Scram!(slang)=Getout!;Goaway!
Getlost.(slang)Goblow.(slang)Gofryanegg.(slang)Gosuckalemon.(slang)Gotakealongwalkoffashortpier.(informal)Gotakealongwalkonashort
pier.(informal)Makeyourselfscarce.(slang)Goaway!Goclimbatree!(slang)Goflyakite!(slang)
Gojumpinthelake!(informal)(Go)jumpoffacliff.(informal)Goplayintraffic!(informal)Buzzoff!(slang)Bugoff!(slang)
Scat!(slang)Scram!(slang)Shoo!(informal)Takeahike!(slang)Makelikeatreeandleave.(informal)Getlost!(slang)Getoutofhere!(informal)Getoutofmyface!(slang)Goblow.(slang)Goplayintraffic.(informal)
178Whensomeoneisveryannoyingorhurtful
Whydon’tyourubalittlesaltinthewound?Whydon’tyoutwisttheknifeinmyback?You’regoingtobethedeathofmeyet.You’dtrythepatienceofasaint.Youreallygetmygoat.
togetmygoat=toannoymeYou’redrivingmeupawall.You’redrivingmeupthewall.Youreallyknowwhatbuttonstopush.
whatbuttonstopush=howtomakemeangryYou’repushingmybuttons.
179Gettingsomeonetostopdoingsomething
Mustyou(dothat)?Mustyoucontinuetodothat?Stopbotheringme.Stoppesteringme.Quitpesteringme.Giveitarest.(slang)
it=yourmouth
Knockitoff!(slang)Cutitout!(slang)Enough,already!(informal)
180Whensomeoneismakingyouangry—rude
I’mreallyupsetwithyourightnow.Getalife!(slang)Getaclue!(slang)You’repissingmeoff.(mildlyvulgar)I’mreallygettingP.O.’d.(mildlyvulgar)
P.O.’d=pissedoff=angry
181Askingtobeleftalone
Letmebe.Letmealone.Leavemebe.Pleasegoaway.Pleaseleavemealone.I’maskingyoutoleavemealone.Ijustwanttobeleftalone.
182Describingabothersomeperson
You’reapainintheneck.(slang)You’reapainintheass.(mildlyvulgar)You’reapaininthebutt.(mildlyvulgar)You’rearoyalpain.(slang)You’reapain.(slang)
Hegratesonme.Hegratesonmynerves.
gratesonmynerves=annoysmeHegetsonmynerves.Hepushesmybuttons.Herubsmethewrongway.Hegetsmydanderup.(informal)dander=temperHeraisesmyhackles.
hackles=longhairsatthebackoftheneck=temper
183Whensomeonehasdonesomethingwrong—polite
Howcouldyoudosuchasillything?Howcouldyoudosuchathing?Whatcouldyouhavebeenthinking?Whatonearthwereyouthinking?Whatpossessedyoutodothat?Whatgotintoyou?Ihopeyou’resorry.Whenwillyoueverlearn?Nowwhatdidyougoanddothatfor?(folksy)
184Whensomeonehasdonesomethingwrong—amazed
Areyououtofyourmind?Areyoucrazy?Haveyoutakenleaveofyoursenses?IfI’vetoldyouonce,I’vetoldyouahundredtimes.(informal)IfI’vetoldyou
once,I’vetoldyouathousandtimes.(informal)Ican’tbelieveyouembarrassedmelikethat!
Ifthat’swhatyouthink,you’vegotanotherthinkcoming.(informal)You’vegotanotherthinkcoming.(informal)
185Whensomeonehasdonesomethingwrong—sarcastic
Areyouhappy(now)?Areyousatisfied?
Areyousatisfied?Ihopeyou’rehappy.Ihopeyou’resatisfied.Aren’tyouproudofyourself?Ihopeyou’reproudofyourself.
186Whensomeonemakesanunwelcomeintervention
Whoaskedyou?(informal)Whoaskedyouropinion?WhenIwantyouropinion,I’llaskforit.Whoinvitedyou?You’renotinvited.You’renotwelcomehere.Wedon’twantyourkindaroundhere.
187Tellingsomeonetostayawayorkeepout
Keepout.Notrespassing.Membersonly.Employeesonly.Noadmittance.Noadmittancewithoutproperidentification.(formal)Thesepremisesarefor
theuseofmembersandguestsonly.(formal)
188Askingsomeone’sintentions
Yougotaproblem?(informal)Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Wereyoutalkingtome?Areyoutryingtostartsomething?(Justexactly)whatareyougettingat?(Justexactly)whatareyoutryingtosay?
189Startingafight
Doyouwanttostepoutside(andsettlethis)?Wouldyouliketostepoutside?Wanttomakesomethingofit?
something=anissuetofightaboutCaretomakesomethingofit?
190Askingsomeonetoleaveyourpropertyalone
Handsoff!Excuseme,that’smine.DidIsayyoucouldtouchthat?Lookwithyoureyesnotyourhands.Ifyoubreakit,youpayforit.Ifyoubreakit,you’veboughtit.
191Askingsomeonetostayoutofyouraffairs
Mindyourownbusiness.(informal)Mindyourownbeeswax.(slang)beeswax=business
M.Y.O.B.(slang)=Mindyourownbusiness.
Buttout!(slang)=Mindyourownbusiness!
That’snoneofyouraffair.Getyournoseoutofmybusiness.(informal)Keepyournoseoutofmy
business.(informal)
192Whensomeoneisharassingyou—angryanddirect
Getoffmyback!(slang)Layoff,willyou!(slang)Getoffmytail!(slang)Getoffmyass!(mildlyvulgar)Getoffit!(slang)Comeoffit!(slang)
193Whensomeoneisharassingyou—rude
Nutstoyou.(mildlyvulgar)Screwyou.(mildlyvulgar)Upyours.(vulgar)
194Whensomeoneispresumptuous
Whywouldyouasksuchathing?Howcouldyousaysuchathing?
Howcouldyousaysuchathing?Whatrightdoyouhavetosaythat?Whogaveyoutheright?Wheredoyoucomeoffsayingthat?Well,Inever!
195Whensomeonehasunderestimatedyourintelligence
HowdumbdoyouthinkIam?(informal)DoyouthinkIwasbornyesterday?(informal)Whodoyouthinkyou’rekidding?(informal)Whodoyouthinkyou’retalkingto?(informal)
196Whensomeoneinterruptswithanopinion
WasItalkingtoyou?Whoaskedyou?Iwasn’tspeakingtoyou.WhenIwantyouropinion,I’llaskit.WhenIwantyouropinion,I’llbeatitoutofyou.(jocular)Thankyoufor
sharing.(sarcastic)I’llthankyoutokeepyouropinionstoyourself.I’llthankyoutomindyourownbusiness!Keepyournoseoutofmybusiness.(informal)Keepyouropinionstoyourself.Mindyourownbusiness.
Mindyourownbusiness.Mindyourownbeeswax.(slang)beeswax=businessM.Y.O.B.(slang)
=Mindyourownbusiness.
197Apologizing—sarcastic
Well,excuseme.(informal)Excusemeforbreathing.(informal)Excusemeforliving.(informal)Pardonmeforliving.(informal)
198Whensomeoneoverreacts
Relax.Chill.(informal)Don’tgetbentoutofshape.(slang)Don’tmakeafederalcaseoutofit.
(informal)Likeit’ssuchabigdeal.(informal)It’snobigdeal.(informal)You’remakingamountainoutofamolehill.
Don’tbitemyheadoff.(informal)Don’tjumpdownmythroat.(informal)Sametoyou.(informal)
So’syouruncle.(informal)Sueme.(informal)So,sueme.(informal)
199Whenpunishmentisinstoreforsomeone
You’llgetyours.
You’llgetyours.You’llgetyourdue.You’llgetwhat’scomingtoyou.Whatgoesaroundcomesaround.(cliché)You’llgetyourjustdeserts.
200Explainingharshjustice
Whatgoesaroundcomesaround.(cliché)Itcutsbothways.(cliché)Quidproquo.(Latin)=Thisforthat.
Aneyeforaneye;atoothforatooth.Thechickenshavecomehometoroost.Twocanplay(at)thatgame.(informal)Servesyouright.
201Threateningretaliation
I’llgiveyouadoseofyourownmedicine.(cliché)I’llfixyourwagon.(cliché)Idareyou.
Goahead,makemyday.(cliché)
202Requestingsilence
Quiet!Bequiet!Keepquiet!
Keepstill!Bestill!Hush!Silence!(formal)Shutup!(informal)Shutyourmouth!(informal)Shutyourtrap!(informal)Holdyourtongue!Hushyourmouth!(informal)Shush!(informal)Shh!(informal)Notanotherword!Buttonyourlip!(informal)Buttonin!(informal)Clamup!(slang)Dryup!(slang)
203Requestingsomeonetostopneedlesstalk
Canit!(slang)Stowit!(slang)Putacorkinit!(slang)it=yourmouthPutasockinit!(slang)Cutthegab!(slang)
gab=needlesschatterCutthecrap!(mildlyvulgar)crap=dung=needlesschatter
204Whensomeoneisnotdoingenough
You’renotdoingyourshare.You’renotdoingyourfairshare.You’renotcarryingyourweight.You’renotpullingyourweight.You’renotpullingyourownweight.You’renotlivinguptoyourendofthebargain.You’renotholdingupyourendofthebargain.You’renotreachingyourpotential.You’reslackingoff.Getonthestick.(slang)
205Whensomeonestartstrouble
Stopstirringthingsup.Youliketomaketrouble,don’tyou?Don’tyouhaveanythingbettertodo?You’vegottoomuchtimeonyourhands.Can’tyouleavewellenoughalone?Getajob!(slang)Getahobby!(informal)Getalife!(slang)
206Expressingmocksympathy
Aw,poorbaby.Youpoorthing.Myheartbleedsforyou.I’mallchokedup.
207Expressingmocksympathy—sarcastic
Here’saquarter.Callsomeonewhocares.Obviouslyyou’vemistakenmeforsomeonewhocares.WhatmakesyouthinkIcare?DoyouthinkIcare?
DoyouthinkIcare?LikeIcare.(informal)AsifIcare.(informal)Asif.(informal)Frankly,mydear,Idon’tgiveadamn.(mildlyvulgar)Goodforyou.I’mhappyforyou.Thanksforsharing.I’msogladyoutoldusthat.Thankyouforsharing.Isn’tthatspecial?
208Whenyouarehelplesstohelp—rude
Whatdoyouwantmetodoaboutit?Whatdoyouexpectmetodoaboutit?WhatamIsupposedtodoaboutit?LikeIcandoanythingaboutit.
VISITS
209Askingtovisitsomeone
GuestsandHosts
Areyoufreelatertoday?CouldIcomeoverlatertoday?CanIcomeover?DoyoumindifIstopbylatertoday?WouldyoumindifIstoppedbylater?WoulditbeaproblemifIdroppedbyforafewminutes?WoulditbeallrightifIdroppedbyforafewminutes?AreyoubusyorcanIcomeover?Whenwouldbeagoodtimeformetocomeover?When’sagoodtimeforyou?I’llbetherebyseven.I’llbethereafterdinner.
210Whenyouareinvitedtoaninformalmealinahome
DoIneedtobringanything?Wouldyoulikemetobringanything?CanIbringsomething?CanIbringanything?
CanIbringanything?ShouldIbringanything?WhatshouldIbring?Wouldyoulikemetobringwine?ShallIbringwine?I’llbringthewine.Letmebringdessert.
211Askingaboutaninvitationyouhavereceived
WhattimeshouldIbethere?Whatdoyouhaveplanned?HowshouldIdress?WhatshouldIwear?Isitcasualorformal?I’mplanningtodrive.How’stheparking?CanIbringmykids?MayIbringafriend?CanIbringsomething?
something=food
212Apologizingforbeinglate
I’msorryI’mlate.SorryI’mlate.I’msorrytohavekeptyouwaiting.Sorrytohavekeptyouwaiting.
213Explainingwhyoneislate
Imisjudgedthetime.Ididn’trealizeitwassolate.Ilosttrackoftime.Ioverslept.Myalarmdidn’tgooff.Igotalatestart.Igotsidetracked.
sidetracked=detoured;distractedMylastappointmentranover.Ihadtorunanerrand.
Ihadtorunanerrand.Ihadtodropsomeoneoff.Ihadtogetmoney.Icouldn’tgetataxi.Icouldn’tgetacab.
Thetrainwaslate.Thebuswaslate.Imissedthebus.Imissedmyride.Myridedidn’tshow(up).Ihadtogetgas.Ihadtostopforgas.Ihadtostopandgetgas.Iranoutofgas.Trafficwasslow.Trafficwashell.(mildlyvulgar)Iwasstuckintraffic.Igotlost.Idon’thaveGPS.Imissedmyexit.
Imissedmyexit.Therewasconstruction.Therewasanaccident.IttookmelongertogetherethanIthoughtitwould.IttooklongerthanIexpectedtogethere.Ididn’trealizethiswassofaraway.ItwasfartherthanIthought.Iwaslookingforparking.Icouldn’tfindaparkingspot.Icouldn’tfindaparkingplace.Icouldn’tfindaplacetopark.
214Whenyoufinallyarriveafterbeinglate
Ihopeyoustartedwithoutme.I’mgladyoustartedwithoutme.Wereyouwaitinglong?Youshouldhavestartedwithoutme.Nexttimestartwithoutme.
215Greetingsforvisitors
Lookwho’shere!Well,lookwho’shere!AmIsurprisedtoseeyou!AmIeversurprisedtoseeyou!Lookatwhatthecatdraggedin!(folksy)Fancymeetingyouhere.
216Invitingavisitortocomein
Comeonin.Comerightonin.Comerightin.Docomein.(formal)Pleasecomein.Comeinandrelaxforafewminutes.Comeinandtakealoadoffyourfeet.(folksy)Comeinandtakealoadoff.
(folksy)Comeinandsitdown.Comeinandsetaspell.(folksy)Comeinandstayawhile.Comeinandmakeyourselfathome.
217Aftergreetingavisitor
TowhatdoIowethepleasureofthisunexpectedvisit?(formal)TowhatdoIowethisvisit?
Whatareyoudoinghere?Whatbringsyouhere?Whatbringsyoutothisneckofthewoods?(folksy)neckofthewoods=
locationWhythisdelightfulsurprise?Whatadelightfulsurprise!Whatanicesurprise!It’snicetoseeyouagain.
It’snicetoseeyouagain.
It’sapleasuretoseeyouagain.(formal)It’ssogoodtoseeyouagain.It’ssogoodtoseeyouafterallthistime.Goodseeingyouagain.I’mdelightedtohaveyouvisit.I’mdelightedtohaveyou.Delightedtohaveyouhere.I’msohappyyoulookedmeup.I’msogladyoulookedmeup.I’msogladyoutookthetroubletolookmeup.I’msogladyoucouldcome.I’msogladyoucouldcomeby.I’msogladyoucouldmakeit.I’msogladyoucoulddropby.I’msogladyoucouldstopby.I’msogladyoucouldvisit.Gladyoucouldcome.Gladyoucoulddropby.Gladyoucouldstopby.
Gladyoucouldstopby.We’vewantedtohaveyouoverbeforethis.We’vewantedtoinviteyouoverbeforethis.We’vebeenmeaningtohaveyouover.We’vebeenmeaningtoinviteyouover.We’vebeenlookingforwardtoseeingyouforalongtime.We’vebeenwantingtoseeyouforalongtime.
218Makingavisitorfeelwelcomeandcomfortable
Makeyourselfcomfortable.Makeyourselfcomfy.Makeyourselfrightathome.Makeyourselfathome.Wouldyouliketotakeoffyourcoat?Here,letmetakeyourcoat.CanItakeyourcoatandhat?CanIhelpyouoffwithyourthings?Letmehelpyouoffwithyourthings.Takeyourcoatoffandstayawhile.Whydon’tyoutakeoffyourcoatandmakeyourselfcomfortable?Putyourthingsanywhereandsitdownforaminute.Justdropyourcoathere.(informal)
219Invitingavisitortostayfordinner
Canyoustayfordinner?Canyou=Wouldyou,Areyouableto,Willyou
Canyouhavedinnerwithus?Canyoustayandhavedinnerwithus?Wouldyoucaretostayfordinner?
220Encouragingaguesttofeelathome
Pleasemakeyourselfathome.Ourhouseisyourhouse.Myhouseisyourhouse.Micasaessucasa.(Spanish)Ifthere’sanythingyouneed,don’thesitatetoask.Ifthere’sanythingyouwant,don’thesitatetoask.Ifthere’sanythingIcandoforyou,justask.You’retodoexactlyasyouplease.Pleasedoexactlyasyouplease.Wouldyouliketofreshenupabit?Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?CanIgetyousomethingtodrink?
221Offeringaguestaseat
Pleasesitdown.Haveaseat.Trythischair.It’smorecomfortable.Wouldyouliketositoverhere?Wouldyoupreferamorecomfortablechair?
222Steeringaguesttoaparticularroom
Pleasecomeintothelivingroom.Comeoninthelivingroom.Rightthisway.Everyoneseemstobeinthekitchen.Theotherguestsareinthelibrary.Wouldyouliketojoinusinthelivingroom?Everyoneisinthelivingroom.Wouldyoucaretojoinus?
223Encouragingaguesttobeindependent
Pleasegoaroundandintroduceyourselftoeveryone.Couldyoujustintroduceyourselftotheotherguests?Justgoinandmeeteveryone.Ihopeyoudon’tmindintroducingyourselfaround.Don’tstandonceremony.Makeyourselfknown.Getyourselfadrinkandsomethingtoeat.Pleasefeelfreetominglewiththeotherguests.Ihopeyoudon’tmindgettingyourselfadrink.Thebar’soverthere.Pleasehelpyourself.
224Minglingwithotherguests
MindifIjoinyou?CareifIjoinyou?MayIjoinyou?Hello,mynameisLee.Hello,I’mJane.SohowdoyouknowJuanandMaria?IworkwithJuan.I’mfriendswithMaria.I’mafriendofMaria’s.Haveyoutriedthedip?Greatparty,huh?(informal)Whatagreatspread!
spread=displayofpartyfood
225Whataguestsaystoahostorhostess
WherecanIputmycoat?DoyoumindifIsmoke?MindifIsmoke?Whereisthebathroom(,please)?Youhaveabeautifulhome.Thetablelooksbeautiful.
Thetablelooksbeautiful.Ilovewhatyouhavedonewiththelivingroom.Youhaveawonderfulplace.Youhavewonderfultaste.
226Startingaconversationusingthetopicofweather
Niceweatherwe’rehaving.Lousyweather,isn’tit?Horribleweatherwe’rehaving.Lovelyweatherforducks.(sarcastic)It’srainingagain.Hotenoughforyou?(ironic)Coldenoughforyou?(ironic)It’snottheheat;
it’sthehumidity.(cliché)
227Askingaquestiontostartaconversation
What’snew?What’sup?Whattimeisit?Doyouhavethetime?Thisfoodisgood,isn’tit?
228Startingaconversationwithsomeoneyouknowwell
Howhaveyoubeen?How’swork?How’syourfamily?How’sthefamily?Lookslikeyoujustgotahaircut.Ilikeyourhair.Ilikeyouroutfit.Thatdressislovely.Thatdresslooksniceonyou.Wheredidyoubuythatsweater?I’vebeenwantingtogetone.
229Startingaconversationinawaitingroom
CanItakealookatyourpaper?Whatareyoulisteningto?Whatbookareyoureading?Readanygoodbookslately?Didyouseethatshowlastnight?Seenanygoodmoviesrecently?Doyouhaveabreathmint?I’mgoingtogetacoffee.Wouldyoulikeone?
230Talkingabouttheweather
Niceweatherwe’rehaving.Thesunisshining.It’sbrightandsunny.It’seightydegrees.Lousyweather,huh?Horribleweatherwe’rehaving.Lovelyweatherforducks.(sarcastic)It’snottheheat;it’sthehumidity.
(cliché)It’srainingagain.It’srainingcatsanddogs.(cliché)Whatastorm!Whatadownpour!Whatasnowstorm!Whatablizzard!Hotenoughforyou?(ironic)Coldenoughforyou?(ironic)It’sraining.It’ssnowing.It’scold.It’shot.It’shumid.It’sfoggy.It’ssmoggy.It’smuggy.It’swindy.
231Whattosaywheninacrowdedplace
It’stoocrowdedinhere.Ifeellikeasardine.We’repackedinlikesardines.We’recrammedinlikesardines.We’recrammedsolid.Thispartyiswall-to-wallpeople.It’sabsolutelyjam-packed.I’mgettingclaustrophobic.Ineedsomeelbowroom.There’snoroomtobreathe.There’snotenoughroomtoswingacat.(folksy)Wouldyouliketogo
somewherequieter?Wouldyouliketogosomewherelesscrowded?
232Preparingtoleavehome
Dowehaveeverything?Haveweforgottenanything?Didweforgetanything?Doyouhaveyourkeys?Didyouleavealighton?
Didyouleavealighton?Ican’tfindmykeys.Wait,Iforgotmywallet.Didyoubringthemap?Doyouhavethedirections?Arethekidsready?Istheansweringmachineon?Didyougotothebathroom?Didyouunplugtheiron?DidyouturnofftheTV?Didyouturndowntheheating?Didyouturnoffthestove?
233Statingwhenyouwillreturnhome
I’llbegonejustafewminutes.Seeyouinanhour.Iwon’tbelate.I’llbebackbyten.I’llbehomelate.Don’twaitupforme.
Don’twaitupforme.
234Preparingtoleaveahostorhostess
Well,it’sgettinglate.Isitthatlatealready?Isitthattimealready?Lookslikeit’sthattime.Thetimehascome.Ihatetoeatandrun.Idon’twanttowearoutmywelcome.Ineedmybeautysleep.(jocular)Wehavetogetupearlytomorrow.Wehaveabigdaytomorrow.
big=busyIneedtorun.I’mafraidImustrun.I’mafraidImustbegoing.I’vegottoberunning.
I’mafraidIhavetobegoing.I’vegottobegoing.I’dbetterbeoff.I’dbestbeoff.I’dbestleavenow.Ibettergetmoving.Ibetterhittheroad.Imustbeoff.
Imustbeoff.Imustsaygoodnight.I’vegottohittheroad.(idiomatic)Ibettergetonmyhorse.(idiomatic)I’moff.
(informal)I’moutofhere.(slang)I’mhistory.(slang)Betterbegoing.Betterbeoff.Bettergetmoving.Betterhittheroad.(idiomatic)Timetocallitaday.Timetocallitanight.Timetogo.Timetorun.Timetohittheroad.Timetomovealong.Timetopushalong.Timetopushoff.Timetoshoveoff.Timetosplit.(slang)Timeflieswhenyou’rehavingfun.(cliché)Gottago.Gottohittheroad.Gottorun.Gottoshoveoff.Gottosplit.(slang)Gottotakeoff.Gottobeshovingoff.Gottofly.Gottogetmoving.Gottogohomeandgetmybeautysleep.(jocular)Havetobemovingalong.Havetogonow.Havetomovealong.Havetorunalong.
Havetorunalong.Havetoshoveoff.
235Whendeparting
Thanksforhavingmeover.Thankyouforalovelyevening.(formal)Thankyouforalovelytime.(formal)
Thankyouforhavingus.Thankyouforinvitingus.
236Questionsaskedofdepartingguests
Doyouwantacupofcoffeebeforeyougo?Areyousoberenoughtodrive?CanIcallyouataxi?Canyoufindyourwayhome?Willyougethomeallright?Willyougethomeokay?(informal)Doyouhaveeverything?
everything=everythingthatyouarrivedwith
237Sayinggood-byetodepartingguests
It’sbeenadelightfulvisit.(formal)It’sbeendelightful.It’sbeenourpleasure.
Sogoodtoseeyou.Doyouhaveeverything?Thankyouforcoming.Thanksforcoming.Thanksfordroppingin.Thanksfordroppingby.Thanksforstoppingover.I’msogladyoustoppedby.Gladyoucouldcome.Gladyoucoulddropby.Gladyoucouldstopby.Comebacksoon.Comebackanytime.Comebackwhenyoucanstaylonger.Docomebacksoon.Let’sdothisagainsoon.Wehavetodothisagainsometime.Seeyousoon.
MISCELLANEOUSEXPRESSIONS
CommentsandPhrases
238Generalexclamations
Wow!Gosh!Golly!Gee!Geewhiz!Holycow!sHolycrap!(vulgar)Holyshit!(vulgar)Holysmoke!HolyToledo!
Sonofagun!
Sonofabitch!(mildlyvulgar)Sonofaseabiscuit!Well,I’llbe!I’llbedarned!I’llbedamned!(mildlyvulgar)Well,I’llbeamonkey’suncle!Whatdoyouknow?Imaginethat!Canyoubeatthat!Fancythat!Isn’tthatsomething!Wellifthatain’tthecats’meow.Bygum!(folksy)Bygolly!(folksy)ByJove!ByGeorge!GreatScott!Oh,my!Myword!Oh,mygoodness!Mygoodness!Goodness!Heavens!Goodheavens!Forheaven’ssake!ForPete’ssake!Forpity’ssake!Goodgracious!Goodgrief!Goodnessgracious!MyGod!(oath)OhmyGod!(oath)Godforbid!(mildoath)Great!
Great!Excellent!Hotdog!Hotdiggety!(folksy)GoodLord!Hotdamn!(mildlyvulgar)Lordy!(mildoath)Lordybe!(mildoath)Lordhavemercy!(mildoath)Saintspreserveus!(mildoath)Glorybe!Hushmymouth!(folksy)Shutmymouth!(folksy)AsIliveandbreathe!Mystars!Zounds!Gadzooks!Youdon’tsay!Willwondersnevercease!
239Religiousexpressions
Amen!=Iagree!
Hallelujah!=Hooray!
Alleluia!=Hooray!
Hosanna!=Hooray!
Glory(be)toGod!PraisebetoGod!ThanksbetoGod.
240Expressionsmeaning“almost”
Nicetry.(sarcastic)Notquite.Sonearandyetsofar.Socloseandyetsofar.Close,butnocigar.(cliché)Youwerewithinahair’sbreadth.Closeenoughforgovernmentwork.(informal)Almostonlycountsin
horseshoesandhandgrenades.(cliché)It’sallornothing.Amissisasgoodasamile.(cliché)
241Leavingthingsastheyare
Letitbe.Leaveitbe.Letitgo.Letthingsbe.Liveandletlive.Ifitain’tbroke,don’tfixit.(cliché)Letsleepingdogslie.(cliché)Don’tmake
waves.(idiomatic)Don’trocktheboat.(idiomatic)Don’tmaketrouble.Don’tgolookingfortrouble.
242Expressingdifferencesbetweenpeople—clichés
differentstrokesfordifferentfolks.We’llagreetodisagree.Oneman’smeatisanotherman’spoison.Oneman’strashisanotherman’streasure.Tastesdiffer.There’snoaccountingfortaste.Varietyisthespiceoflife.Ittakesallkinds.Ittakesallkindstomakeaworld.Viveladifference!(French)=Hoorayforthedifference!
243Warnings
Beprepared!Becareful!Watchout!Watchit!Lookout!Looksharp!Watchyourstep!Headsup!Behindyou!Toyourright!Onyourleft!Comingthrough!Gangway!Makeway!Fore!
(saidingolfingwhentheballisstruck)Duck!Hitthepavement!Hitthedeck!Beware!
Beware!Caution!Proceedwithcaution.Manoverboard!
(saidwhensomeonefallsfromaboatintothewater)Fire!Takecare.Safetyfirst.Lookbeforeyouleap.Let’stakethisonestepatatime.(cliché)Leavenothingtochance.(cliché)
Slowdown.Takeyourtime.Playitcool.Playitsafe.Don’tblowyourcover.Stop,look,andlisten.Lookbothwaysbeforeyoucrossthestreet.Letthebuyerbeware.Caveatemptor.(Latin)
=Letthebuyerbeware.We’renotoutofthewoodsyet.(idiomatic)We’reskatingonthinice.
244Givingandreceiving—clichés
Whatgoesaround,comesaround.Youscratchmyback,I’llscratchyours.Onehandwashestheother.Dountoothersasyouwouldhavethemdountoyou.Doasyouwouldbedoneby.Asamansows,soshallhereap.Titfortat.
=Thisinreturnforthat.Quidproquo.(Latin)
=Titfortat.
245Causeandeffect—clichés
AprilshowersbringMayflowers.Youmadeyourbed;nowlieinit.Asthetwigisbent,soisthetreeinclined.Asthetwigisbent,sogrowsthetree.Onegoodturndeservesanother.Onethingleadstoanother.
246Sayingtheobvious—clichés
It’snotover‘tilit’sover.Boyswillbeboys.Eastiseast,westiswest.That’sthat.Lifeislife.That’slife.Enoughisenough.
247Expressionsforaforgottenwordorname
Whatsit.Whaddyacallit.Whatchamacallit.Whatchamajig.Thingamajig.Thingamajigger.What’s‘ername.What’s‘isname.What’s‘isface.What’s‘erface.Youknowwho.
YouknowwhatImean.Thatcertainsomething.Jenesaisquoi.(French)
=Idon’tknow.
248Regardingorderandprocedure
Thereisatimeandaplaceforeverything.(cliché)Aplaceforeverythingandeverythinginitsplace.(cliché)Everythinghasitsseason.(cliché)Allinduetime.(cliché)
Firstthingsfirst.(cliché)Firstcome,firstserved.(cliché)Thefirstshallbelastandthelastshallbefirst.(Biblical)Rulesaremadetobebroken.(cliché)Rulesaremeanttobefollowed,notbroken.
WheninRome,doastheRomansdo.(cliché)Don’tputthecartbeforethehorse.(cliché)Don’tcountyourchickensbeforetheyarehatched.(cliché)Let’scrossthatbridgewhenwecometoit.(cliché)Dowhatyouaretold.
Doasyouaretold.IjustdowhatIamtold.IjustdoasIamtold.Ijustworkhere.I’mjustthehelp.Followtherules.That’showwedoithere.Gobythebook.Youmustgothroughproperchannels.
249Describingamessyplace
Thisplaceisamess.Thisplaceisapigsty.Thisplaceisadisgrace.Whatamess.Whatapit.(slang)Whatadump.(slang)Whatajunkheap.(slang)Thisplacelookslikeatornadohitit.Thisplacelookslikeanationaldisaster(area).Thisplacelookslikeadisasterarea.Thisplacelookslikeitwentthroughthewar.Thisplacelookslikeit’sbeenthroughawar.Thisplacelookslikeit’sbeenthroughWorldWarIII.Howcanyoufindanythinginhere?Howdoyouexpecttofindanythinginthismess?Wereyouraisedinabarn?Howaboutcleaningupalittlearoundhere?Ifyouwouldputthingswheretheybelong,theywouldn’tgetlost.
250Concerningunity—clichés
Unitedwestand;dividedwefall.
Unitedwestand;dividedwefall.Ahousedividedagainstitselfcannotstand.Allforoneandoneforall.Birdsofafeatherflocktogether.Manyhandsmakelightwork.
251Concerningnostalgia
WhenIwasakid...WhenIwasyourage...Inmyday...Inmytime...Inthatdayandage...Thosewerethedays.Thosewerethegoodolddays.Theydon’tmakethemliketheyusedto.
252Concerningstrength—clichés
Youdon’tknowyourownstrength.You’reasstrongasanox.Achainisonlyasstrongasitsweakestlink.
253Concerningrigidityofcharacter—idiomsandclichés
He’ssetinhisways.Aleopardcannotchangehisspots.Youcan’tteachanolddognewtricks.Oldhabitsdiehard.You’reasstubbornasabull.Whyareyousobullheaded?
254Feelingwarmorhot
It’shotinhere.It’slikeanoveninhere.I’msweltering.I’mgoingtomelt.Openawindow.Turnontheairconditioner.Hotenoughforyou?(ironic)Isithotenoughforyou?(ironic)It’snottheheat,
it’sthehumidity.(cliché)It’sashotashell.(mildlyvulgar)
255Feelingcoolorcold
It’scoldinhere.I’mfreezing.
I’mfreezing.I’mshivering.Myteetharechattering.Mylipsareblue.I’mgoingnumb.I’mchilledtothebone.Shutthewindow.Turnontheheat.Turnuptheheat.Turntheheatup.Coldenoughforyou?(ironic)Isitcoldenoughforyou?(ironic)
256Describingadditionalunspecifiedpeopleorthings
Etcetera.(Latin)=Andsoforth.
Andsoon.Andsoforth.Andeverything.
Andeverythingelse.Andeverythinglikethat.Andalllikethat.
Andstuff.(slang)Andstufflikethat(there).(slang)Andwhathaveyou.Andlikethat.Andthensome.
257Concerningcleanliness
It’sascleanasawhistle.It’ssocleanyoucouldeatoffthefloor.It’sspicandspan.Cleanyourroom.Pickupyourclothes.Iwantyoutopickupyourroom.Iwantthisplacespotless.Pickupafteryourself.Wereyouraisedinabarn?Youlivelikeapig!Aplaceforeverything,andeverythinginitsplace.(cliché)Cleanlinessisnext
togodliness.(cliché)
258Concerningsurprise
Unbelievable!Ihadnoidea!Whowouldhavethought?ItwasthelastthingIexpected.Ineverwouldhaveguessed.Iwascaughtunaware.Iwascaughtunawares.(informal)Itwastheshockofmylife.Itdroppedlikeabomb.Itdroppedfromtheclouds.Itappearedfromtheclouds.Itburstontothescene.Itcameoutofleftfield.
Itcameoutofleftfield.Itcamefromnowhere.Itappearedoutofnowhere.Itcamefromoutoftheblue.Itwasaboltfromtheblue.Itthrewmeforaloop.Thatknockedmeforaloop.Youcouldhaveknockedmeoverwithafeather.(cliché)
259Concerningexpectation
Itcameasnosurprise.Iknewitwascoming.It’sjustasIexpected.Myfingersarecrossed.I’mcrossingmyfingers.I’mwaitingwithbatedbreath.(cliché)I’llwaitforyou.I’llstayupforyou.I’llwaitup.I’llsitupandwait.
260Concerningapremonition
Ihaveahunch.
Ihaveahunch.Ihaveafeeling.Ihaveagutfeeling.Ijusthavethisfeeling.Igetthefeelingsomething’sgoingtohappen.Ifeelitinmybones.Icanfeelit.Icansenseit.Mysixthsensetellsmethat...Myguttellsmethat...It’swomen’sintuition.Astormisbrewing.Thehandwriting’sonthewall.(cliché)It’sanomen.It’saharbingerofthingstocome.It’sasignofthingstocome.It’saportentofthingstocome.It’sagoodsign.It’sabadsign.It’sagoodomen.It’sabadomen.
261Concerningbeingbusy—clichés
You’reasbusyasabeaver.You’reasbusyasabee.Manyhandsmakelightwork.Alittleworkneverhurtanyone.It’sallinaday’swork.Awoman’sworkisneverdone.AllworkandnoplaymakesJackadullboy.Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.
262Makinganextraeffort
I’vegoneoutofmywaytopleaseyou.I’vebentoverbackwardsforyou.I’vegonetheextramile.I’vegonebeyondthecallofduty.I’vegoneaboveandbeyondthecallofduty.You’vegottentheroyaltreatment.I’vetreatedyoulikeaking.I’vetreatedyoulikeaqueen.We’verolledouttheredcarpet.(idiomatic)=We’vepreparedfortheeventas
ifwewerepreparingforroyalty.You’regettingthered-carpettreatment.(idiomatic)red-carpet=royalWeaimtoplease.Weaimtotreatyouright.(folksy)
263Demandingtobegivenanobject
Giveittome.Giveithere.(informal)Giveitup.(informal)Gimmeit.(informal)Gimme.(informal)Give.(informal)Coughitup.(informal)
it=moneyHanditover.(informal)Forkitover.(slang)Letmehaveit.Whereisit?Leaveitgo.(informal)Letitgo.Letgoofthat.
264Whensomeoneispreparingforanimportantevent—clichés
Thisisyourbignight.Thiscouldbeyourluckyday.Thisisit.
Thisisthemomentyou’vebeenwaitingfor.Thisisthebigmoment.Knock‘emdead.(informal)Breakaleg.(informal)
(awayofwishinggoodlucktoanactorbeforeaperformance)Makeusproudofyou.Makeusproud.I’msureyouwillmakeusproudofyou.
265Whensomeoneisdressedup
You’redressedtothenines.(slang)You’redressedtokill.(slang)You’realldressedup.
You’reallgussiedup.(informal)gussiedup=dressedup(maleorfemale)You’realldolledup.(informal)dolledup=dresseduplikeadoll(maleor
female)Youlookgreatinamonkeysuit.(informal)monkeysuit=tuxedo;evening
jacket(usuallymale)Youlooklikeamillionbucks.Youlooklikeamilliondollars.Youlooklikeamillion.Youlookamillion.
266Whenyoufeelyouarenotwanted
Doyouwantmetogo(away)?Doyouwantmetoleave?Wouldyoulikemetoleave?Ifyouwantmetoleave,justask.Ifyouwantmetoleave,whydon’tyoujustsayso?IknowwhenI’mnotwanted.Idon’tlikebeinghereanybetterthanyoudo.AmIcrampingyourstyle?(informal)
267Regardingsomethinglessthanwhatwasdesired
Iwashopingformore.Iwascountingonmore.Iwasgunningformore.It’snotwhatIhadinmind.It’snotwhatIpictured.It’snotwhatIhopedfor.It’snotwhatIhadhopedfor.
It’snotwhatIexpected.It’snotwhatIanticipated.Iexpectedsomethingmore.It’safarcryfromwhatIexpected.Itleavesalottobedesired.Theygotthebestofme.I’vebeencheated.Ididn’tgetwhatIbargainedfor.Iwastakenadvantageof.Igotleftholdingthebag.
Igot=I’vebeen,IwasIgotgypped.(informal)
gypped=cheatedIgotrooked.(informal)
rooked=cheatedIgottheshortendofthestick.
theshortendofthestick=thelosingpartofabargainIgotrobbed.(informal)Igottaken.(informal)
Igottakentothecleaners.(informal)Igotabumdeal.(informal)abum
deal=abaddeal;anunfairdealIgotarawdeal.(informal)arawdeal=abaddeal;anunfairdealIgotscrewed.(mildlyvulgar)
268Describingareprimand
Igotchewedout.(informal)Igot=I’vebeen,IwasIgotmyasschewedout.(mildlyvulgar)Igotrakedoverthecoals.(idiomatic)
Igothauledoverthecoals.(idiomatic)Igotanearful.Iwasputthroughthewringer.Iwastakentotask.Theyletmeoffthehookthistime.(idiomatic)offthehook=freefroman
obligationorguiltTheyletmeoffeasy.Theyletmeoffwithjustawarning.Theyletitslide.Theyletitgo.Ijustgotaslaponthewrist.
aslaponthewrist=amildpunishment
269Whensomethingisbroken
Itbroke.It’sbroken.Itdoesn’twork.It’sonthefritz.(idiomatic)onthefritz=outoforderIt’sontheblink.(informal)ontheblink=outoforderThisthingisreallyscrewedup!(informal)screwedup=messedup;madeto
beoutoforder
270Whensomethingisoutoforder
It’soutoforder.It’soutofservice.It’soutofkilter.(informal)It’soutofwhack.(informal)It’sdead.(informal)It’skaput.(slang)
kaput(German)=deadItupanddied(onme).(folksy)Itdiedonme.It’sintheshop.
intheshop=intherepairshopIt’soutofcommission.
271Onbeingpushedtothelimitofyourpatience
That’sthestrawthatbrokethecamel’sback.(cliché)=That’stheminorthingthatwillfinallytriggersomeactivity.
That’sthelaststraw!(cliché)thelaststraw=thestrawthatbrokethecamel’sback
Thatdoesit!That’sit.I’vehadit.Thattearsit.(idiomatic)Thisistoomuch.ThisismorethanIcanbear.ThisismorethanIcantake.ThisismorethanIcanstand.That’sjustwhatIneeded.Ineededthatlikeaholeinthehead.(sarcastic)That’safinehow-do-you-do.Here’safinehow-do-you-do.Well,thattakesthecake!(idiomatic)That’sjustswell!(sarcastic)That’sjust
great!(sarcastic)Nowwhat?=Whatelsecouldpossiblyhappenatthispoint?
PlansandProjects
272Beginninganewprojectoractivity
Wheredowebegin?Howshouldwegoaboutdoingthis?What’sthefirststep?What’sfirstontheagenda?Let’sorganizeataskforce.Whowillbeincharge?We’reonourway.We’reoffandrunning.We’reofftoagoodstart.We’vehitthegroundrunning.
We’reheadedintherightdirection.We’reoffontherightfoot.We’velaidagoodfoundation.We’veonlyjustbegun.We’rejustgettingourfeetwet.(idiomatic)gettingourfeetwet=justgetting
startedWe’vemadeagooddentinit.(idiomatic)It’sastart.You’vegottobeginsomewhere.I’dliketolaydownafewgroundrules.
273Concerningthedeceptivelydifficult
It’snotaseasyasitseems.It’snotaseasyasitlooks.It’sharderthanitlooks.It’sharderthanyouthink.Easiersaidthandone.There’smoretoitthanmeetstheeye.It’ssurprisinglydifficult.It’slikelookingforaneedleinahaystack.It’sarealchallenge.
274Concerningtheimpossible
Thatwon’twork.That’llneverholdwater.
=Thatwillneverbeoperable.Neverhappen.(informal)There’snoway.(informal)Nocando.(informal)
275Concerningfutility
You’rewastingyourtime.You’rewastingyourenergy.You’rewastingyoureffort.Itdoesn’tstandachance.Itdoesn’tstandachanceinhell.(mildlyvulgar)There’snotachanceinhell.
(mildlyvulgar)Itdoesn’tstandasnowball’schanceinhell.(mildlyvulgar)Whenhellfreezesover.(mildlyvulgar)=Never.
You’respinningyourwheels.(informal)You’re(just)runningaroundincircles.
You’rebeatingadeadhorse.(informal)beatingadeadhorse=tryingtoactivateormotivatesomethingthatisfinished
Itisn’tworthbeatingyourbrainsout(for).(informal)It’slikelookingforaneedleinahaystack.(cliché)It’sfitforthejunkyard.It’sheadedforthejunkheap.(informal)
276Whensomethingisunimportant
Itdoesn’tmatter.Itmakesnodifference.Itmakesnonevermind.(folksy)=Itdoesn’tmattertome.Itdon’tmake(me)nonevermind.(folksy)It’ssixofone,halfadozenofthe
other.=Itdoesn’tmatterwhichoneorwhichway.
It’snotimportant.It’snotworthwhile.It’snotworthyourwhile.It’snotworthahillofbeans.(idiomatic)It’snotworthmentioning.It’snotworththetrouble.It’snotworthit.
277Endingaproject
Getridofit.Finishitoff.Nipitinthebud.
Doitin.(informal)86it.(slang)
86=nix=tonegate;todestroyKillit.(informal)Killitoff.(informal)Wipeitout.(informal)Wipeitoffthemap.(informal)Soundthedeathknell.(informal)thedeath
knell=thesoundofbellsthatsignalsanimpendingorrecentdeathPutitoutofitsmisery.(informal)Pulltheplugonit.(slang)Pulltherugout
fromunderit.(informal)Puttheskidsonit.(informal)Nukeit.(slang)=Destroyitwithanuclearbomb.
Throwitaway.Throwitout.Pitchit.(informal)Tossit.(informal)Junkit.(informal)Trashit.(informal)Dumpit.(informal)Putitinthecircularfile.(informal)thecircularfile=a(round)wastebasketFileitinthecircularbin.(informal)thecircularbin=thecircularfile;a
(round)wastebasketFileit.(informal)
278Startingoveragainonaproject
Backtothedrawingboard.It’sbacktothedrawingboard.Well,it’sbacktosquareone.Well,it’sbacktobasics.Timetostartoverfromscratch.
PERSONALMATTERS
Feelings
279Askingifsomeoneisallright
AreyouOK?Areyouallright?AreyoufeelingOK?Lifegotyoudown?(informal)Arethingsgettingyoudown?Youlooklikeyoulostyourbestfriend.(cliché)Youlooklikethewindhas
beentakenoutofyoursails.(idiomatic)
280Askingwhysomeonelookssounhappy
What’sthematter?Somethinggotyoudown?
Somethinggotyoudown?What’sgotyoudown?Whyareyousoblue?
blue=sadWhyisyourfacesolong?
facesolong=facesosadWhorainedonyourparade?(idiomatic)rainedonyourparade=ruinedyour
plansWhatrainedonyourparade?(idiomatic)Didsomeonerainonyourparade?
(idiomatic)Whoburstyourbubble?(idiomatic)=Whoruinedyourgoodoutlookonlife?
281Offeringsomeonehelpandadvice
Wouldyouliketotalkaboutit?Needsomeonetotalkto?Ifyouneedsomeonetotalkto,I’malwaysavailable.I’mhereifyouwanttotalkaboutit.
282Encouragingsomeonewhoisunhappy
Cheerup!Thingsareneverasbadastheyseem.Itwill(all)workout.Don’tletitgetyoudown.(idiomatic)Chinup.(cliché)Keepyourchinup.(cliché)Thingswillgetbetter.Tomorrowisanotherday.(cliché)It’salwaysdarkestbeforedawn.(cliché)
Stopcarryingtheweightoftheworldonyourshoulders.There’snopointincarryingtheweightoftheworldonyourshoulders.
283Whenyouaredepressed
I’mdepressed.I’m=He’s,She’s,They’re,We’re,Tom’s,Janet’s,etc.
I’mfeelinglow.I’mfeelingdown.I’mfeelingblue.(idiomatic)blue=sadI’moutofsorts.I’minthedoldrums.I’malittledowninthemouth.(idiomatic)I’mdowninthedumps.
=Iamdepressed.I’vebeendowninthedumpslately.Ican’tputmyfingeronwhat’swrong.
284Expressingdespairandemptiness
Myheartisheavy.My=Her,His,Our,Janet’s,Tom’s,etc.
Myheartisbroken.I’mdownhearted.
I’m=He’s,She’s,They’re,We’re,Tom’s,Janet’s,etc.I’mbroken-hearted.I’mheartbroken.
285Whensomeonelooksveryhappy
Youlooklikeyoujustwonthejackpot.Youlooklikeyoudiedandwenttoheaven.You’relookingontopoftheworld.What’reyousmilingabout?
286Whensomeoneisveryhappy—idioms
I’monCloudNine.I’m=He’s,She’s,They’re,We’re,Tom’s,Jane’s,etc.
I’minseventhheaven.I’mwalkingonair.I’montopoftheworld.I’msittingontopoftheworld.I’mhighonlife.I’mfeelinggood.I’mfeelingfine.I’masmerryasthedayislong.I’mhappyascanbe.I’mhappyasaclam.I’mashappyasaclam.
I’mashappyasaclam.I’maspleasedaspunch.I’mbesidemyselfwithjoy.Icouldn’tbehappier.
287Expressingenthusiasmforlife
Thingscouldn’tbebetter.Everything’scominguproses.Idon’thaveacareintheworld.Whatagreatday!It’sgreattobealive!Itfeelsgoodjusttobealive!Life’sbeengoodtome.
288Whensomeoneiscontent
Mymind’satease.I’mcontent.We’resatisfied.I’mjustgoingwiththeflow.He’sassnugasabuginarug.I’matpeace.(formal)
289Whensomeoneiscarefree
I’mfootlooseandfancy-free.(cliché)Idon’thaveacareintheworld.Tomiswithoutacareintheworld.Ihaven’tacare.
290Whensomeoneisresignedtolifeasitis
IacceptmyselfforwhatIam.I’vecometotermswithmyself.I’vecometotermswithreality.I’vecometogripswithreality.I’velearnedtofacethemusic.(idiomatic)tofacethemusic=tofacelife;to
facerealityLeavewellenoughalone.(cliché)Letwellenoughalone.Letsleepingdogslie.(cliché)=Donottrytosolveaproblemthatisnot
causingextremedifficultiesatthemoment.
291Expressingdispleasurewithsomething
Thatleavesalottobedesired.That’snotwhatIhadinmind.Thatdidn’tfitthebill.
tofitthebill=tobewhatisneededThatdoesn’tquitesuitme.It’snotuptosnuff.
uptosnuff=uptostandardThat’snotwhatit’scrackeduptobe.
crackeduptobe=saidtobe
292Askingsomeonetostopbeingunpleasant
Stopgriping.Stopcomplaining.Quitcomplaining.Quitwhining.Quityourbitching.(mildlyvulgar)Quityourkvetching.
(informal)kvetching=complainingQuityourbeefing.(slang)
tobeef=tocomplainQuityourbellyaching.(slang)tobellyache=tocomplainDon’tbesuchagrouch.Don’tbesuchacrab.
acrab=acrabbyperson=agrouchypersonDon’tbesogrouchy.Don’tbesogrumpy.
grumpy=irritable;outofsortsDidyougetuponthewrongsideofthebed?(idiomatic)Somebodydidn’tget
enoughsleep.Stopsulking.Stoppouting.
293Dullnessandboredom
I’mbored.I’mboredtotears.I’mboredtodeath.I’mboredtodistraction.I’mboredstiff.I’mboredsilly.
Ho-hum.Arewehavingfunyet?Whendoesthefunstart?Thatwentoverlikealeadballoon.(idiomatic)Thatwasaflop.
aflop=afailureThatflopped.Whatayawner.
ayawner=somethingboringthatcausesyawnsHeisasdullasdishwater.(cliché)Thisislikewatchingpaintdry.Hecouldgoonforever.He’slikeabrokenrecord.Shereallywearsonme.
Shereallywearsonme.Wakemeupwhenit’sover.I’msickandtiredofthis.I’mfedup.Ineedachangeofscenery.Ineedachangeofpace.
294Dullnessinpeople
Mustyouharponthesamestring?Mustyoukeepharpingonthat?Mustyoudwellonthesubject?Mustyoubeatadeadhorse?Don’tbesuchastick-in-the-mud.Don’tbesuchapartypooper.(jocular)apartypooper=adullpersonwho
ruinspartiesDon’tbesuchawetblanket.(informal)awetblanket=someonewhoruinsall
thefun,asawetblanketsmothersafireDon’tbesuchakilljoy.(informal)akilljoy=someonewhoruinsallthefun
295Excitementinpeople
She’sthelifeoftheparty.He’s(such)acard.He’sakill.(slang)
Anxiety
296Whenyoufeeloutofplace
Iwasinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime.Ifeellikeafishoutofwater.I’moutofmyelement.WheninRome,doastheRomansdo.(cliché)WheninRome.(informal)
297Expressinganger
I’msofurious.I’msomadIcouldscream.I’veneverbeensomadinmylife.Iwaschewingnails.Tomwasloadedforbear.Shewasshootingdaggersatme.Iflookscouldkill...
298Expressingfright
Iwasscared.Iwasfrightened.Iwasterrified.Iwaspetrified.Iwasscaredtodeath.Iwasscaredsilly.
Youscaredme.Youfrightenedme.Youscaredthehelloutofme.(mildlyvulgar)Youscaredthecrapoutofme.
(mildlyvulgar)Youscaredthedickensoutofme.Youscaredthedeviloutofme.Youscaredthewitsoutofme.Youscaredmeoutofmywits.Youscaredmetodeath.Youscaredmehalftodeath.Youscaredthedaylightsoutofme.Youscaredthelivingdaylightsoutofme.Youscaredthepantsoffme.(informal)Ialmostjumpedoutofmyskin.Ialmostlostit.Itgavemethecreeps.(slang)Itgavemethewillies.(slang)Itmademyflesh
crawl.Itgavemegoosebumps.Itgavemegoosepimples.Ashiverrandownmyspine.Itcurledmyhair.Myhairstoodonend.Mybloodrancold.
Mybloodrancold.Mybloodcurdled.Itsetmyteethonedge.
299Whenyoudonotknowwhattosay
I’matalossforwords.I’mspeechless.I’mdumbstruck.Nocomment.Ihavenoresponse.Ihavenothingtosay.Ihavenothingtoadd.Idon’tknowwhattosay.WhatcanIsay?Whatdoyouwantmetosay?Yougotmethere.
TheSenses
300Difficultyinhearing
I’msorry,I’mhardofhearing.
I’msorry,I’mhardofhearing.I’msorry,I’mhearing-impaired.Hesufferedahearingloss.He’sstonedeaf.
stone=completelyShe’sdeafasapost.(informal)
301Anearformusic
Idon’thaveanearformusic.I’mtone-deaf.He’sgotanearforthepiano.Sheplayspianobyear.
302Hearingloudandsoftsounds
Ican’thearthem;they’reoutofearshot.Itwassoquietyoucouldhearapindrop.Thatnoiseisdeafening.Thatnoiseassaultstheear.(formal)Thatnoiseissettingmyteethonedge.Whataracket!
racket=noiseAreyoutryingtowakethedead?Myearsareringing.
303Concerningearsorhearing
Mypleafellondeafears.(cliché)Theyturnedadeafeartoourplea.(idiomatic)There’snonesodeafasthosewhowillnothear.(cliché)Inoneearandouttheother.(cliché)Toheartell,thewholesituationwasawful.
Boy,didIgetanearful.anearful=alongexplanation;ascolding
Prickupyourears!(idiomatic)Keepyourearsopen.Hearnoevil.(cliché)
304Thetasteoffoods
Delicious.Thattastesgreat.Tastesgreat.That’sassweetashoney.That’sassweetassugar.Thattastesterrible.Thattasteslikechicken.Thatturnsmystomach.That’sunfitforhumanconsumption.
305Offeringsomeoneasmallportionoffood
Wouldyoulikeataste?Here.Trysome.Wouldyoulikeasip?
306Expressinghunger
I’mhungry.I’mfamished.
I’mfamished.I’mstarved.I’mravenous.Mymouthiswatering.Thatstewismouthwatering.I’msohungryIcouldeatahorse.(cliché)Icouldeatahorse.(cliché)
307Identifyingsmells
What’sthatsmell?Whatsmells?Doyousmellsomething?What’sthatfragrance?What’sthataroma?What’sthatscent?What’sthatodor?
What’sthatstench?Whatstinks?(informal)Doyousmellgas?Getawhiffofthis!Takeawhiffofthis.Sniffthis.Thatreeks.Thatsmells.Thatsmellstohighheaven!Thatstinkstohighheaven!(informal)Itstinksonice.(slang)
308Physicalresponses
Thatsendsshiversdownmyspine.Itgavemegoosebumps.Itgavemethechills.Itgavemebutterfliesinmystomach.(idiomatic)
309Thesenseoftouch
Itwas(as)softassilk.Itwas(as)hardasarock.Itwas(as)hardasstone.Thefishfeltslimy.
310Difficultieswithseeing
I’masblindasabat.(cliché)Ican’tseeathingwithoutmyglasses.Ican’tquitemakeitout.
311Concerninggoodvision
Ihavegoodeyesight.Ihaveexcellentvision.Ihave20/20vision.I’vegotagoodeyeforcolor.I’vegotaneyeforcomposition.
312Concerningvisionandbelief
Ican’tbelievemyeyes.Myeyesbetrayme.(formal)Domyeyesdeceiveme?There’snonesoblindasthosewhowillnotsee.(cliché)
HealthandAppearance
313Whensomeoneisingoodhealth
Hisdoctorgavehimacleanbillofhealth.acleanbillofhealth=agoodreportonone’shealth
He’sthepictureofhealth.He’sinthepink.Helooksgreat.He’slookinggood.He’sintopform.He’satthetopofhisform.Icouldn’tbebetter.Ifeellikeamilliondollars.Ifeellikeamillionbucks.Shelookslikeamilliondollars.Shelookslikeamillionbucks.He’sbright-eyedandbushy-tailed.(idiomatic)I’msoundasadollar.(cliché)
I’mfreshasadaisy.(cliché)She’shealthyasahorse.(cliché)She’sfitasafiddle.(cliché)
314Observingthatsomeonelooksdisorderly
Youlooktired.Youlooklikeyouneedsomesleep.Youlookdreadful.Youlookterrible.
Youlooklikehell.(mildlyvulgar)Youlookasight.You’reasight.Lookwhatthecatdraggedin.(informal)Youlooklikesomethingthecat
draggedin.(informal)Youlooklikeyou’vebeentohellandback.(informal)Youlooklikeyou’vebeenthroughawar.
Youlooklikeyou’vegonethroughthewringer.
315Whensomeonelooksverybad
Youcouldstopatruck.(informal)Youcouldstopaclock.(informal)Thatfacecouldstopaclock.(informal)Areyouhavingabadhairday?(informal)You’reasuglyassin.(informal)
316Inquiringaboutsomeone’shealthorwell-being
AreyouOK?AreyoufeelingOK?Areyouallright?Doyoufeelallright?
317Whensomeonedoesnotlookwell
Youdon’tlookwell.
Youdon’tlookwell.Youdon’tlooktoogood.(informal)Youdon’tlooksogood.(informal)You
looklikedeath.Youlooklikedeathwarmedover.Youlookgreenaroundthegills.Youlookalittlepeaked.Youlookflushed.Youlookpale.You’repale.You’rewhiteasaghost.
Sickness
318Concerningallergies
I’mallergictosulfa.I’mallergicto=Ihaveanallergyto,Ican’ttolerate
I’mallergictopenicillin.I’mallergictocats.
I’mallergictodogs.I’mallergictopollen.I’mallergictodust.
I’mallergictodust.I’mallergictobees.I’mallergictobeestings.I’mallergictochocolate.I’mallergictonuts.I’mallergictoshrimp.I’mallergictostrawberries.Ican’thavechocolate.Ican’teatstrawberries.Ican’tdrinkmilk.Ican’thavedairyproducts.Ican’tdigestmilk.I’mlactoseintolerant.I’monagluten-freediet.Ihavehayfever.Dairyproductsmakemebreakoutinarash.MyIDbraceletlistsmyallergies.
ID=identificationIhaveanenvironmentalillness.
319Allergicproblemswiththenoseandbreathing
Myallergiesareactingup.Mysinusesareactingup.Mysinusesarebotheringme.Mysinusesarecongested.Mysinusesache.Mynoseisclogged.Mynoseisstufledup.Mynoseiscongested.Ican’tbreathe.
320Whensomeonesneezes
Blessyou.Godblessyou.Gesundheit.(German)
321Allergicproblemswiththeeyes
Myeyesareswollen.Myeyesarepuffy.Myeyesitch.Myeyesareitchy.
322Allergicproblemswiththeskin
Myskinisbreakingout.I’mbreakingout.I’mbreakingoutinhives.IbreakoutwhenIeatchocolate.MyskinitcheswheneverIeatshrimp.
323Expressinggeneralfeelingsofillness
I’msick.Ifeelsick.
I’msickasadog.(informal)Ifeelfunny.Ifeelawful.Ifeeldownrightawful.Ifeelterrible.Ifeellousy.Ifeelrotten.Ifeellikehell.(mildlyvulgar)
324Expressingmilddiscomfortowingtoillness
Idon’tfeelwell.Idon’tfeelsowell.Idon’tfeelquiteright.Ifeelill.I’mnotfeelingmyself.I’mfeelingundertheweather.I’malittleundertheweather.I’mfeelingalittledowninthemouth.
325Whenyoufeellikevomiting
Ifeelsicktomystomach.I’msicktomystomach.Ifeelnauseous.Ifeellikethrowingup.(informal)IthinkI’mgoingtothrowup.(informal)I
thinkI’mgoingtovomit.I’mgoingtobarf.(slang)
tobarf=tovomitIthinkI’mgoingtobesick.
tolosemylunch=tovomit
326Describingapaininthehead
Ihaveaheadache.Myheadhurts.Myheadiskillingme.I’vegotasplittingheadache.Myheadisthrobbing.Myheadispounding.There’sahammeringinsidemyhead.Ihaveamigraine.Ihaveanexcruciatingheadache.
327Describingdizziness
I’mdizzy.Theroomisspinning.I’msodizzyIcan’tstandup.I’msodizzyIhavetositdown.
328Describingbeingexhaustedorwornout
I’mexhausted.Ineedsomerest.Ineedanap.Ineedtotakeadayoff.Ineedadayoff.Ineedavacation.Myget-up-and-gohasgotupandleft.(informal)get-up-and-go=energy;
vitality
329Offeringcaretoasickperson
CanIgetyouaglassofwater?Doyouwantaglassofwater?Wouldyoulikeaglassofwater?Wouldaglassofwaterhelp?Wouldyouliketoliedown?Wanttoliedown?Wouldyoulikesomeaspirin?
aspirin=Tylenol,Advil,ibuprofen,etc.Wantsomeaspirin?ShouldIcalladoctor?Haveyouseenadoctor?
330Concerningcatchingadisease
Isitcatching?Areyoucontagious?Don’tgiveittome.Idon’twanttocatchit.Youneedtorelax.You’vebeenrunningaroundtoomuch.Yourresistanceisdown.It’sbeengoingaround.
331Questionsforthehospitalpatient
Havetheyfiguredoutwhat’swrong?What’stheprognosis?
theprognosis=thepredictionforthefutureoutcomeofanillnessHowlongwillyoubehere?Whendoyougettogohome?Whenareyougoinghome?Whenareyoubeingreleased?Isthereanythingyouneed?Doyouneedanything?IsthereanythingIcando?
IsthereanythingIcando?CanIgetyouanything?ShouldIcallforthenurse?Isthefoodasbadastheysay?How’sthefood?How’syourdoctor?
332Explainingthatyourhealthisimproving
I’mimproving.I’mgettingbetter.I’mgettingoverit.I’mgettingbackonmyfeet.I’mgettingbackonmylegs.I’mgettingbacktonormal.I’mbouncingback.I’montheroadtorecovery.I’moutofthewoods.Thingsarelookingup.I’vehitbottomandthingsarelookingup.I’mbetternow.I’mbetterthanIwas.
333Explainingthatyouarereceivingmedicalcare
Istillhavetogobacktothedoctorforafollow-up.I’mstillunderadoctor’scare.I’mstillseeingadoctor.I’mintherapy.I’mstillseeingatherapist.
334Explainingthatyouarecuredofahealthproblem
I’mwellnow.I’mallbetter.I’mcompletelyoverit.I’masgoodasnew.It’slikeitneverhappened.Ifeellikeanewperson.I’vegotanewleaseonlife.
FAMILYMATTERS
HomeLife
335Describingfamilyrelationships
You’rejustlikeyourmother.Youtakeafteryourfather.Youareyourfatheralloveragain.
It’slikeI’mtalkingtoyourmother.Shelooksjustlikehermother.Shelooksjustlikehermotherdidatthatage.She’sthepictureofhermother.Shefavorshermother.He’sthespitandimageofhisgrandfather.He’sthespittingimageofhisgrandfather.He’sgothisfather’sfeatures.She’sgothermother’snose.
=Hernoseisverymuchlikehermother’snose.SheresemblesherAuntMartha.He’sachipofftheoldblock.She’sfollowinginherfather’sfootsteps.Likefather,likeson.Likemother,likedaughter.He’sarealmama’sboy.She’sarealdaddy’sgirl.She’sdaddy’slittlegirl.
336Familysolidarity
Weare(all)family.Bloodrunsthickerthanwater.Howcanyoudothattoyourownfleshandblood?Thefamilythatpraystogetherstaystogether.(cliché)
337Askingaboutameal
Whendoweeat?What’stoeat?What’sforsupper?Whatarewehaving?
338Announcingameal
Dinner’salmostready.It’salmostdone.Itwillbeonthetableinaminute.It’salmostready.(It’s)timetoeat.Dinner’sready.Soup’son!(informal)
=Dinner’sready!
339Instructionsgiventochildreninthekitchen
Don’tsitonthecounter.Don’teatthat;you’llspoilyourdinner.Don’tstandinfrontoftherefrigeratorwiththedooropen.Watchout;it’shot!Don’tdrinkmilkoutofthecarton!Don’tdrinkmilkoutofthejug!Wouldyousetthetable?Gositdown;supper’sready.Gotellyourfathersupper’sready.Callthefamilytodinner.Calleveryonetothetable.
340Blessingthefood
Sarah,wouldyousaygrace?Whowantstosaygrace?Foldyourhands.
341Secondservings
Couldyoupourmesomemoremilk?Moremilk,please.Adropmorewine,please.
CouldIhaveseconds,please?MayIhaveseconds,please?Wouldyoulikesomemoreofthis?Isthereanymoreofthis?What’sfordessert?
342Instructingchildrenongoodtablemanners
Don’tputyourelbowsonthetable.Don’ttalkwithyourmouthfull.Don’treadatthetable.NoTVduringdinner.
TV=televisionWipeyourmouth.Putyournapkinonyourlap.Putyournapkininyourlap.
343Doingthedishes
Andrew,pleaseclearthetable.Pleaseputyourdishesinthesink.
dishes=allcrockeryandutensilsPleasecarryyourowndishestothekitchen.It’syourturntodothedishes.
It’syourturntodothedishes.It’syourturntoclearthetable.I’llscrapeandyouload(thedishwasher).Whoseturnisittodothedishes?I’llwashandyoudry.
344Askingtoleavethedinnertableearly
MayIpleaseleavethetable?(saidbyachild)
MayIbeexcused?(saidbyachild)
DoyoumindifIleavethetable?(saidbyanadult)
I’llhavetoexcusemyself.(saidbyanadult)
Wouldyouexcuseme?
345Instructingchildrentofinisheating
Finishyourdinner.Youhavetoeateverything.Youhavetoeateverythingthatyouserveyourself.Youhavetoeatsomeofeverything.Youhavetocleanupyourplate.Ifyoudon’teatyourvegetables,youwon’tgetanydessert.Ifyoudon’teatyourdinner,youwon’tgetanydessert.TherearestarvingchildreninAfrica.
Africa=Bosnia,Asia,SouthAmerica,etc.
346Concerningaradioorstereo
Turnthestereodown.Turnthestereooff.Turntheradiooff.Let’sfindadifferentstation.Whatstationisthis?Whatdoyouwanttohear?
347Concerningfurnitureorcarpeting
Don’twearyourshoesonthegoodcarpet.Don’tsitonthegoodfurniture.Don’tputyourfeetonthefurniture.Keepyourfeetoff(of)thefurniture.
348Concerningtelevision
What’sonTV?TV=television
What’son?What’sontonight?What’sonthetube?
thetube=thetelevision(picturetube)What’sonchannelfive?Whatdoyouwanttowatch?Whatdoyouwanttosee?Whatareyouwatching?WhereistheTVguide?WhereistheTVlisting?Isthisanygood?Isthereanythingon?Thereanythinggoodon?
349Changingthetelevisionchannel
Findachannelandstickwithit.(informal)Stickwithonechannel.(informal)Sticktoonechannel.(informal)Stopflippingchannels.(informal)Changethechannel.
Let’schangethechannel.
Handmetheremotecontrol.Whereistheremote(control)?Givemetheremote.
350Managingatelevisionset
You’resittingtooclosetotheTV.Can’tyougetabetterpicture?TurntheTVoffifyou’renotwatchingit.Turnitup,please.Pleaseadjusttherabbitears.
rabbitears=atypeofindoortelevisionantennaPleaseadjusttheantenna.Turnitdown.Couldyoupleaseturnitdown?PleaseturndowntheTV.Turnitoff.
351Concerningcomputers
You’realwaysonthecomputer.AreyouonFacebook?
Facebook=MySpace,Twitter,LinkedIn,etc.Ineedtocheckmye-mail.
e-mail=Facebook,Ebayaccount,etc.Ineedtosendane-mail.Lookituponline.IlookedituponGoogle.
Google=Yahoo,Wikipedia,etc.Igoogledit.(informal)Didyouseethatfunnyvideoonline?It’suponYouTube.I’llsendyouthelink.
352Managingacomputer
What’syourlog-on?What’sthepassword?I’veforgottenthepassword.Remembertologoff.Myfilesareonmylaptop.
laptop=computer,notebook,flashdrive,etc.Iputallmyphotosuponline.
online=onFlickr,onShutterfly,etc.I’veuploadedallmyvideos.Backupyourfiles.Doyouhaveaflashdrive?
353Takinganap
I’mgoingtotakeanap.I’mgoingtotakeacatnap.
acatnap=ashortnapI’mgoingtotakeasnooze.
asnooze=anapI’mgoingtogetsomeshut-eye.
someshut-eye=somesleepI’mgoingtocatchfortywinks.
fortywinks=somesleepI’mgoingtocatchsomeZs.
Zs=snoring=sleep
354Goingtobedandtosleep
I’mofftobed.I’mgoingtobed.It’sbedtime.It’spastmybedtime.I’mgoingtosleep.I’mgoingtohitthesack.(idiomatic)I’mgoingtohitthehay.(idiomatic)I’m
goingtocrash.(slang)IthinkI’llretireforthenight.(formal)IthinkI’ll
saygoodnightnow.
355Sayinggoodnight
Goodnight.Sleeptight.Don’tletthebedbugsbite.
(usuallysaidtoachild)Seeyouinthemorning.Sweetdreams.Pleasantdreams.Sleepwell.Night-night.
(usuallysaidtoachild)Nighty-night.
(usuallysaidtoachild)
356Commandsforadog
Sit.Stay.Rollover.Shakehands.Shake.Playdead.Fetch!Heel.Sic’em.
Sic’em.sic=attack
Come!Comehere.Here,boy!Here,girl!Goodboy!Goodgirl!Baddog!Doyouwanttogooutside?
357Caringforpets
Didyouwalkthedog?Someonehastowalkthedog.Willyoupleaseputthecatout?Thedogwantstogetout.Whereisthegerbil?Theguineapigislooseagain.Pleasecleanthe(cat’s)litter(box)now!Thecat’slitterneedschanging.We’reoutofdogchow.
dogchow=drieddogfood
Education
358Gettingreadytostudyordohomework
Timetocrackthebooks.tocrack=toopen
Timetohitthebooks.tohit=touse
Gottacram.(slang)tocram=tostudyhard;tocramknowledgeintoone’sbrain
Ineedtocramforafinal.(slang)Ineedtoprepforabigtest.(slang)Ihavealotofstudyingtodo.
Ihavetostudy.I’vegottostudy.I’vegotamidtermtomorrow.I’vegotafinalexamtomorrow.I’vegotabigtesttomorrow.I’vegotabigexamtomorrow.
359Talkingtoachild’steacher
I’dliketodiscussmydaughter’sprogress.I’dliketotalkaboutmydaughter’sgrade.Howismydaughterdoinginclass?Mydaughterseemstobehavingtroubleinclass.She’shavingahardtimewithherhomework.WhatcanIdotohelpherathome?
WhatcanIdotohelpherathome?HowcanIhelpherwithherhomework?
360Returningtoschoolafteranabsence
Doyouhaveanotefromhome?Doyouhaveanotefromyourmother?Doyouhaveanotefromyourdoctor?
361Questioningacollegeprofessor
CanIstillgetintoyourcourse?Whattextsarerequired?Whatisthebooklistforthecourse?Isapaperrequiredforthiscourse?Isthereafinalforthiscourse?Isattendancerequiredinthiscourse?Whataretherequirements?Whenareyourofficehours?Whereisyouroffice?
362Askingforclarificationinacollegeclassroom
Couldyouexplainthatagain?
Couldyouexplainthatagain?Idon’tgetit.Pleaseexplain.Pleasegooverthatpartagain.Idon’tunderstand.Istilldon’tunderstand.IdonotunderstandyourEnglish.Pleasespeakmoreplainly.I’mhavingaproblemunderstandingtheTA.
TA=TeachingAssistant
363Askingaboutclassroomexaminations
Whenisthefinal(exam)?Whenisthemidterm?Whatdoyouwantustoknowforthetest?Whatwillthetestcover?Willtherebeareviewsession?Willthetestcoverthewholebook?Willthetesttakethewholeperiod?What’sonthetest?
364Askingaboutaclassroomassignment
HowmanypagesdowehavetoreadforMonday?Howmanypages?Willwehavetoturninourhomework?What’sthereadingassignmentfornexttime?Willtherebeaquiz?What’stheassignmentfortomorrow?Whenistheassignmentdue?
365Askingaboutgrades
CanyoutellmewhatgradeI’mgetting?WouldyoutellmewhatgradeI’mgetting?Doyougradeonacurve?HowmanyAswerethere?What’sthegradingcurve?Iworkedhard,sodon’tIdeserveagoodgrade?CanItalktoyouaboutmygrade?
Children
366Meetingchildren
Andhowareyoutoday?Andwhatisyourname?Howoldareyou?
367Concerningachild’sgrowthanddevelopment
You’vegottensobig!You’regrowingsotall.You’returninginto(quite)alittlelady.You’returninginto(quite)alittlegentleman.Whatabiggirl!My,my!Haven’tyougrown!
368Posingquestionstochildren
Whatgradeareyouin?Howdoyoulikeschool?Doyougotoschoolyet?Howmanyyearstillyou’reinschool?What’syourfavoritesubjectinschool?Haveyoubeenagoodboy?Areyoubeingagoodgirl?Howmanybrothersandsistersdoyouhave?
369Praisingasmallchild
That’sverygood.You’reagoodlittleboy.
You’reagoodlittleboy.You’reagoodlittlegirl.Goodboy!Goodgirl!Bigboy!Whatabiggirl!I’msoproudofyou.Mommy’sproudofyou.Weareveryproudofyou.
370Scoldingachild
Behave.Behaveyourself.Begood.Beagoodgirl.Beagoodboy.That’senoughofthat!
371Encouragingachildtobequiet
Sitdown.Bequiet.Quiet!Let’sbequiet.Shhh!Hush!Notanotherword!Idon’twanttoheara(nother)peepoutofyou!
apeep=asoundIdon’twanttohearasinglepeepoutofyou!
372Askingachildtostopsomebehavior
Stopit.
Stopit.Stopthat.Settledown.That’senoughofthat!Simmerdown.
373Askingachildtoleavethingsalone
Putthatdown.Keepyourhandstoyourself.Lookwithyoureyesnotyourhands.(cliché)Putthataway.Leavethatalone.Don’ttouchthat.Stopplayingwiththat.
374Askingachildtoleavepeoplealone
Don’tbotheryourfatherwhilehe’sdriving.Stoppesteringyourlittlebrother.Keepyourhandstoyourself.Keepyourhandsoffyourlittlebrother.Stopteasingyourlittlesister.
Leavehimalone.Leavehimbe.Lethimbe.
375Makingsureachildunderstands
DoasIsay.DoasIsay,notasIdo.DoasItellyou.DowhatItellyou.Doasyou’retold.Doyouunderstand?Understand?Isthatclear?HaveImademyselfclear?DoImakemyselfclear?DoImakemyselfperfectlyclear?Didyouhearme?Doyouhearme?Doyouhear?
376Concerningachild’suseofgoodmanners
Mindyourmanners.MindyourPsandQs.(idiomatic)Behave.Behaveyourself.Iexpectyoutobeonyourbestbehavior.Actlikealady.Actlikeagentleman.Say“excuseme.”Say“thankyou.”Say“you’rewelcome.”Say“please.”What’sthemagicword?
themagicword=thewordpleaseWhatdoyousay?=Say“please.”
Yes,what?=Say“Yes,sir;Yes,ma’am;orYes,please.”
(Always)remembertosaypleaseandthankyou.
FOODANDDRINK
Restaurants
377Askingforatableatarestaurant
Atableforone.Atablefortwo.Two,please.Iwouldlikeanonsmokingtablefortwo.Ihaveareservation.
378Concerningseatinginarestaurant
Wouldyoulikesmokingornonsmoking?Smokingornonsmoking?Smokingornon?Doyouhaveareservation?Howmanyinyourparty?Tableforfour?Partyoffour?
party=groupFour?We’llhaveatablereadyinjustafewminutes.It’llbejustafewminutes.There’saten-minutewait.WehaveatablereadyforSmith,partyoffour.TableforSmith,partyoffour.
TableforSmith,partyoffour.Smith,partyoffour.YourwaiterwillbeAlfredo.Enjoyyourmeal.(cliché)Enjoy.(informal)
379Concerningsmokinginarestaurant
Isthisanonsmokingrestaurant?Doyouhaveanonsmokingsection?I’dlikethesmokingsection.I’dlikethenonsmokingsection.Pleaseseatmeasfaraspossiblefromthesmokingsection.Smoking.Nonsmoking.
380Explainingthatsomeoneelsewilljoinyouatarestaurant
Anotherpartywillbesittinghere.Wearewaitingforanothercouple.Myfriendwillbealongshortly.Iamexpectingsomeoneelse.I’mwaitingforsomeoneelse.
381Greetingsfromawaiterorwaitress
Hello.Sorrytokeepyouwaiting.Howareyoutoday?Myname’sSandy.I’llbeyourwaitressthisevening.Myname’sSandy.I’llbeyourserverthisevening.I’mBobby.I’myourserver.
382Questionsawaiterorwaitressmightask
Areyouwaitingforsomeone?Willsomeonebejoiningyou?Goodevening,wouldyoucareforadrink?Wouldyouliketostartwithacocktail?Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrinkfirst?Wouldyouliketoorderadrink?
Wouldyouliketoorderadrink?CanIgetyousomethingtodrink?Wouldanyonelikecoffee?coffee?Creamorsugar?Wouldyouliketoseeamenu?Wouldyoucaretoseethewinelist?Areyoureadytoorder?Doyouneedafewmoreminutes(todecidewhatyouwant)?Wouldyouliketoseethemenuagainfordessert?
383Recitingspecialmealoffersfortheday
Letmetellyouaboutourspecialstoday.Thespecialofthedayisroastbeefandbrowngravywithpotatoesandtwo
vegetables.Thespecialsarelistedontheboard.Thespecialsareontherightside(ofthemenu).
384Whenarestaurantisoutofsomeitem
I’msorry,we’reoutofthat.Sorry,it’sallgone.Thechefinformsmewe’reoutofthat.(formal)
385Questionsaskedofarestaurantcustomer
Howwouldyoulikethatprepared?Howwouldyoulikeyoursteakprepared?Howwouldyoulikeyoursteak?Howwouldyoulikethatdone?Howwouldyoulikethat?Whatkindofpotatoeswouldyoulike?Mashed,boiled,hashbrowns,orFrenchfries?Wouldyoulikeabakedpotato,fries,orrice?Thatcomeswithasalad.Wouldyoulikesouporsaladwiththat?Souporsalad?Thesoupofthedayissplitpeaorchickennoodle.OurdressingsareRanch,Italian,ThousandIsland,Greek,andhouse.
house=thestandarddressingusedinthisrestaurantWouldyoulikesomefreshgroundpepper?Saywhen.
=Speakwhenyouhavehadenough.
386Requestingsomethingtodrinkatarestaurant
coffee,please.I’dlikesomecoffee.I’dlikesomedecaf.
decaf=decaffeinatedcoffeeI’dlikeanespresso.I’dliketea.Justcoffeeforthemoment.Justcoffeefornow.Blackcoffee.coffeewithcream.Creamandsugar.Canyougetmeaglassofwater?Couldwehavesomewater,please?
387Requestingattentionfromawaiterorwaitress
Canyoucomeherewhenyouhaveasecond?Oh,waiter!Oh,miss!Excuseme,ma’am.Pardonme.
Pardonme.Excuseme.
388Explainingtoawaiterorwaitressthatyouarenotreadytoorder
Weneedacouplemoreminutestodecide.Ineedafewmoreminutestodecide.CouldIseeamenu,please?I’mnotreadytoorderyet.Ihaven’tfiguredoutwhatIwantyet.Ihaven’tdecidedyet.
389Indicatingreadinesstoorderamealatarestaurant
We’rereadytoorder.Canweordernow?Canyoutakeourordersnow?We’reready.
390Askingaboutspecificitemsonarestaurantmenu
Whatarethespecials?Whatisthespecialoftheday?Doyouhaveanyspecials?Whatwouldyousuggest?
Whatwouldyousuggest?Doyouhaveanyrecommendations?What’sgoodtoday?Whatdoesthatcomewith?Whatcomeswiththat?Doesthatcomewithasalad?Whatkindofdressingdoyouhave?Doyouhaveanylo-caldressing?
lo-cal=lowcalorieWhat’sthesoupoftheday?Isthatpreparedwithmeat?Istheremeatinthat?Doyouhavevegetariandishes?
391Requestingthatcertainfoodsnotbeservedtoyouinarestaurant
Nomayo(nnaise),please.mayo(nnaise)=nuts,onions,garlic,lettuce,bacon,pickles,etc.
Nomayo.Holdthemayo.Leaveoffthemayo.
392Concerningfoodallergieswhenorderingatarestaurant
I’dlikethatwithoutMSG,please.MSG=monosodiumglutamate,typicallyusedinChinesefood
DoesthiscontainMSG?Doesthiscontainnuts?Icannottoleratenuts.I’mallergic.Nonuts.I’mallergic.NoMSG,please.I’mallergictodairyproducts.I’mallergictowheat.
I’mallergictowheat.
393Tellinghowasteakistobecookedinarestaurant
I’dlikemysteakwelldone.welldone=completelycooked
I’dlikemysteakrare.rare=partiallycooked
I’dlikemysteakmedium.medium=betweenrareandwelldone
Pleasemakesureit’swell-done.I’dlikemysteakmedium-well.Iwantthesteakthoroughlycooked.I’dlikemysteakmedium-rare.CanIgetitrare?
394Requestingadditionalservingsinarestaurant
Ineedmorecoffee.CouldIhavemorecoffee,please?CouldIhavesomemorebread,please?CouldIhavesomemorewater,please?Morebread,please.(informal)CouldIhavesomemorebutter?
395Orderingwineinarestaurant
MayIseethewinelist?CouldIseeyourwinelist?I’dlikeaglassofwine.I’dlikeacarafeofwine.We’dliketoorderabottleofwine.
396Makingacomplaintinarestaurant
Ican’teatthis.Thismeatistoofatty.Thismeatistootough.Thismeatisn’tfresh.Thisfishisn’tfresh.Ididn’torderthis.Thesevegetablesarehardlycookedatall.Thevegetablesareovercookedandmushy.Thisiscold.Canyoutakeitbacktothekitchen?CouldIspeakwiththemanager,please?
397Askingaboutthelocationofarestroominapublicbuilding
IstheresomewhereIcouldwashmyhands?Wherearethepublicrestrooms?Whereisthewashroom?Whereisthemen’sroom?Whereistheladies’room?WherewouldIfindtherestrooms?Where’sthejohn?(informal)thejohn=thetoilet;arestroom
398Orderingfoodtobetakenout
Doyouhavecarryout?Iwouldliketoordersomethingtocarryout.CanIgetthattogo?Togo,please.
399Requeststohaveuneatenfoodwrappedsoitcanbetakenhome
Couldyouwrapthis,please?Couldwehaveadoggiebag?
adoggiebag=aspecialbagorcontainerfortakinguneatenfoodhomefromarestaurant(asifitwerebeingtakenhometofeedthedog)
I’dliketotaketherest.I’dliketotaketheresthome.
400Whenyourfoodisbroughttothetableinarestaurant
Here’syourorder.Thereyougo.Careful,theplateishot.Enjoyyourmeal.Enjoy.(informal)
401Askingforadiner’sopinionofameal
Ihopethateverythingissatisfactory.Iseverythingallright?IseverythingOK?Howareyoudoing?Areyouenjoyingyourmeal?How’syoursteak?How’sthatsteak?
402Awaiterorwaitressseekingtobeoffurtherservice
Morecoffee?IsthereanythingIcangetforyou?IsthereanythingIcangetyou?Isthereanythingelse?IsthereanythingelseIcangetforyouthisevening?(formal)Isthereanything
elseIcangetforyou?AnythingelseIcandoforyou?
403Awaiterorwaitresso?eringdessert
Wouldyoucarefordessert?Wouldyouliketotryoneofourdesserts?
Wouldyouliketotryoneofourdesserts?Wouldyouliketoseethedessertmenu?Wouldyouliketoseethemenuagain?Letmeshowyouthedesserttray.
404Askingforthebillinarestaurant
CouldIhavethebill?CouldIhavethecheck?We’dlikethebill,please.Check,please.Separatechecks,please.DoIpayyouorthecashier?Doyoutakethis(creditcard)?CanIhaveareceipt,please?MayIhaveareceipt,please?(formal)Wearereadytoleavenow.Alltogether.Allonone(check).
405Aboutpaymentforamealinarestaurant
Isthisallononebill?Separatechecks?Youcanpayattheregister.
Youcanpayattheregister.Youcanpayme.I’lltakeitwhenyou’reready.
406Concerningthepaymentofabillinarestaurant
Thereseemstobeamistake.Wedidnotorderthisitem.Doesthisincludethetip?Doesthisincludeagratuity?Isagratuityincluded?Keepthechange.
Bars
407Abartenderaskingwhatyouwant
What’syours?What’llyouhave?MayIhelpyou?What’llitbe,friend?(informal)Another(ofthesame)?
408Askingwhat’savailableatabar
What(beer)doyouhaveontap?ontap=readytobedrawnfromakeg
Whatkindofbeerdoyouhave?Whatbeersyagot?(informal)What(beer)doyouhaveondraft?
ondraft=readytobedrawnfromakegWhatkindsofwinedoyouhave?Doyouhaveanyimportedbeer?
409Requestingaglassorbottleofbeer
I’llhaveabeer.I’llhave=Pleasegiveme,Giveme,I’lltake,Makemine,Gimme,Doyouhave(?)
I’llhaveaBud.Bud=Miller’s,Budweiser,Heineken,Mich(elob),SpecialExport,Coors,etc.
I’llhaveadraft.adraft=abeerdrawnfromakeg,orabottleofbeerwith“Draft”inthebrandname
Makeitacoldone.acoldone=acoldbeer
Pourmeabeer.(informal)Givemeabeer.(informal)
410Variousrequestsfordrinksfromabartender
I’dlike(some)coffee.I’dlike=CanIpleasehave(?),I’lltake,Pleasegetme
I’dlike(some)coffeewithcream.I’dlike(some)coffeewithsugar.I’dlike(some)coffeewithcreamandsugar.I’dlikeaCoke.I’dlikesomeCoke.I’dlikeadietcola.I’dlikeamineralwater.I’dlikeabeer.I’dlikeaglassofbeer.I’dlikeasteinofbeer.I’dlikeapitcherofbeer.I’dlikealightbeer.I’dlikeadarkbeer.
I’dlikeadarkbeer.I’dlikeadomesticbeer.I’dlikeadraftbeer.I’dlikeanale.I’dlikealager.I’dlikeaglassofwine.I’dlikesomechampagne.I’dlikeascotch.I’dlikeascotchontherocks.I’dlikeawhiskeywithsoda.I’dlikeaginandtonic.I’dlikeaginandtonicwithatwist.
411Specialinstructionstoabartender
Makeitdry.=IpreferadryMartinioradrywine.
Holdthecherry.Givemeanother.I’llhaveanother(one)ofthesame.
thesame=thesameaspreviouslyordered
I’llhavethesame.Twoolives,please.I’dlikeitontherocks.
ontherocks=withicecubesMakethatontherocks.
412Buyingdrinkswithfriends
I’mbuying.Letmegetthis(one).It’sonme.
onme=onmyaccount=I’mpayingThenextroundisonme.
round=anorderofdrinksforeveryoneNo,no,thisone’sonme!Thisismyround.Thisround’sonme.It’sonme.I’mbuying.Who’sbuying?Wanttorunatab?
atab=arunningaccount
413Chargesfordrinksatabar
That’llbesixbucks.Doyouwishtopaymenow?Wouldyouliketostartatab?You’verunupquiteatab.Youreallyhavetopaysomethingvonyourbill.
414Expressionsusedwithfriendsatabaraskingaboutdrinks
Whatarewehaving?Doyouallwanttogetapitcher?Anyoneforapizza?Nameyourpoison.What’llyouhave?What’syours?Careforanother?
415Expressionsaboutdrinkingadditionaldrinks
I’mgoingtodrownmysorrows.Let’shaveanotherround.Let’shaveanightcap.
anightcap=afinaldrinkoftheeveningLet’sknockbackanother.Let’stossoneback.
416Askingforasmalldrinkofbeveragealcohol
I’llhavejustanip.anip=aswallow
I’llhavejustasip.I’llhaveashot.
ashot=aswallow;ajiggerGivemeaswig.
aswig=aswallowGivemeahit.
ahit=aswallowGivemeajigger.
ajigger=1.5ounces;a1.5-ounceglass
417Encouragingsomeonetodrink
That’llputhaironyourchest.(idiomatic)=Thedrinkisstrong,anditwillinvigorateyou.
Let’stieoneon.(slang)=Let’sgetdrunk.
That’llknockyoursocksoff.(idiomatic)=Thedrinkisverystrong,anditwillshockyoursystem.
This’llwetyourwhistle.(idiomatic)=Thisdrinkwillquenchyourthirst.
Let’sgetdowntosomeseriousdrinking.(informal)=Let’sgetdrunktogether.Haveahairofthedogthatbityou.(cliché)=Havesomemoreofwhatmade
youdrunk.Let’spaintthetownred.(cliché)=Let’scelebrate.Partydown!(slang)Partyhearty!(slang)Partyhardy!(slang)
418Askingaboutthetimethatabarcloses
Isitclosingtimealready?Lastcallalready?
lastcall=theannouncementofthelastopportunitytopurchaseadrinkbeforeclosingtime
Whendowehavetobeoutofhere?When’slastcall?
419Encouragingsomeonetofinishadrink
Drainit.Drinkup.Haveonefortheroad.Pounditandlet’sgo.(slang)
420Drinkingtoasts
Here’slookingatyou.Here’smudinyoureye.Here’stoyou.Here’stous.Toyourhealth!ToJohnV.Jones!Cheers!Downthehatch!Bottomsup!Drinkup!Tolife!
421Whensomeonedrinkstoomuch
Ithinkthatthisisyourlastone.Ithinkyou’vehadenough.That’sallforyou,Bud.(informal)Haven’tyouhadaboutenough?Doyoureallythinkyououghttohaveanotherone?
422Statingthatsomeoneisdrunk
He’sfeelingnopain.(informal)He’sdrunkasaskunk.(informal)He’sthreesheetstothewind.(informal)He’sstonedrunk.
He’stanked.(slang)He’spickled.(slang)He’sasdrunkasalord.(informal)
HomeCooking
423Statingthatyouarehungry
I’mhungry.I’mfamished.I’mstarved.I’mravenous.Mymouthiswatering.Thatstewismouthwatering.I’msohungryIcouldeatahorse.Icouldeatahorse.(cliché)I’m(just)dyingofhunger.
424Askingwhenamealwillbeready
Whendoweeat?When’schow?(slang)When’sdinner?When’ssupper?
Whenwillsupperbeready?
425Askingwhatisfordinner
What’stoeat?What’sforsupper?Whatarewehaving?
426Statingwhenfoodwillbeready
Dinner’salmostready.It’salmostdone.Itwillbeonthetableinaminute.It’salmostready.(It’s)timetoeat.It’stimetositdown.Dinner’sready.Pleasebeseatedatthetable.Dinnerisserved.(formal)Soup’son!(informal)
=Dinner’sready!
Offeringsomeoneabitoffood
Wouldyoulikeataste?Howaboutabite?Wouldyoulikeabite?Wantataste?
428Blessingthefood
Whowantstosaygrace?Shallwesaygrace?(formal)Shallwepray?(formal)Let’spray.Letuspray.(formal)
429Concerningpassingfoodatthetable
Pleasepassmethesalt.Pleasepassthepepper.Pleasepassthebutter.Couldyoupasstherollsaround?Couldyoustarttherollsaround?Couldyoustarttherollsgoingaround?CouldIhavesomegravy?Wouldyoulikethesaltandpepper?Wouldyoucareforthebutter?Wouldyoucareforsomebutter?Pardonmyboardinghousereach.(informal)boardinghousereach=alongand
somewhatimpolitereachforsomethingatthetable
430Concerningadditionalservingsoffood
Couldyoupourmesomemoremilk?Moremilk,please.CouldIhaveseconds,please?MayIhaveseconds,please?Wouldyoulikesomemoreofthis?Isthereanymoreofthis?What’sfordessert?
431Enforcinggoodtablemanners
Don’tputyourelbowsonthetable.Don’ttalkwithyourmouthfull.Don’treadatthetable.NoTVduringdinner.
TV=televisionNotextingatthetable.Turnthatcellphoneoff.Wipeyourmouth.Putyournapkinonyourlap.Putyournapkininyourlap.
432Cleaningupafterameal
Canyouhelpmewiththedishes?Pleasecarryyourowndishestothekitchen.I’llwashandyoudry.I’llscrapeandyouload(thedishwasher).
433Excusingoneselffromthetable
DoyoumindifIleavethetable?(saidbyanadult)
I’llhavetoexcusemyself.(saidbyanadult)
MayIpleaseleavethetable?(saidbyachild)
MayIbeexcused?(saidbyachild)
434Encouragingchildrentoeat
Finishyourfood.Bequietandeatyourdinner.Bequietandeatyourfood.Youhavetocleanupyourplate.Ifyoudon’teatyourvegetables,youwon’tgetanydessert.TherearestarvingchildreninAfrica.(cliché)Africa=Bosnia,Asia,South
America,etc.
SHOPPING
StoresandShops
435Askingaboutstorehours
Whenareyouopen?Whendoyouopen?Howlateareyouopen(today)?Whatareyourhours?Areyouopenonweekends?AreyouopenonSaturday?Areyouopenafter?ve?
436Asalespersongreetingacustomer
MayIhelpyou?CanIhelpyou?CanIhelpyoufindsomething?CanIhelpyouwithsomething?CanIshowyousomething?Areyoubeinghelped?Issomeonewaitingonyou?IsthereanythingIcanhelpyouwith?IsthereanythingIcanhelpyouwithtoday?IsthereanythingIcanhelpyoufindtoday?
437Asalespersonofferinghelptoacustomer
Ifyouneedme,I’llberighthere.Ifyouneedanyhelp,I’llberighthere.Ifyouneedme,myname’sLinda.Ifyouneedanyhelp,myname’sLinda.IfIcanhelpyoufindanything,I’llberightoverhere.IfIcanhelpyou,justletmeknow.There’samirroroverthere.
Thechangingroomsareoverthere.Onlysixitemsinthedressingroomatatime.Onlysixitemsallowedinthedressingrooms.
438Questionsasalespersonmightaskacustomer
Whatareyouinterestedin?Areyoulookingforsomethinginparticular?Areyoulookingforanythinginparticular?Doyouhaveanythinginmind?Doyouhavesomethingspecificinmind?Doyouknowwhatyouwant?Whatsizedoyouneed?Doyouknowwhatsizeyouare?
Offeringmerchandisetoacustomer
I’vegotjustyoursize.I’vegotjustwhatyou’relookingfor.I’vegotexactlywhatyouneed.Ihavejustthething.
justthething=exactlytherightthingHaveIgotsomethingforyou!(informal)MayIsuggestthis?That’sonsalethisweek.
Offeringadditionalhelptoacustomer
Doyouneedanythingtogowiththat?IsthereanythingelseIcaninterestyouin?IsthereanythingelseIcangetforyou?IsthereanythingelseIcanhelpyouwith?WhatelsecanIdoforyou?
441Findingthingsinadepartmentstore
Whereisthemen’sshop?Whereisladies’wear?
ladies’wear=women’sclothingdepartmentWhereistheshoedepartment?Whatfloorisfurnitureon?Wherearethechildren’sclothes?Where’schildren’sclothes?(informal)WherecanIfindchildren’sclothes?Doyousellapplianceshere?Whereisthecreditdepartment?Isthereapublicrestroomhere?
442Shoppingforsomethingatadepartmentstore
I’mlookingforsomethingformywife.I’mlookingforsomethingformyhusband.It’sagift.Ineedasize34.Idon’tknowmysize.Canyoumeasureme?Wouldyoumeasuremywaist,please?Ineedabelt.Ineedsomejeans.Ineedapairofpants.Ineedsocks.Ineedapairofsocks.Ineedgloves.Ineedapairofgloves.Ineedabathingsuit.Ineedaswimsuit.
443Whenyouarejustlookingandnotbuying
I’mjustbrowsing.Thankyou,I’mjustlooking.
Thankyou,I’mjustlooking.Justlooking.
444Choosingmerchandiseinastore
Ijustcan’tmakeupmymind.I’mnotsurewhichIlike.Whichdoyouprefer?
445Questionsacustomermightaskinastore
Doyouhavethisinblue?Doyouhavethisinsuede?Doyouhavethisinwool?Doyouhavethisinalargersize?Doyouhavethisinasmallersize?Doyouhavesomethingabitlessexpensive?Doyouhaveanythinglessexpensive?Gotanythingcheaper?(informal)Doyouhavethisinstock?Doyouhaveanymoreofthese?Doyouhaveashirttomatchthis?Doyouhaveashirttomatch?
446Whenacustomerwantstotryonclothing
I’dliketotrythison.Iwanttotrythison.CanItrytheseon?Whereisthefittingroom?HowmanyitemscanItakeinthedressingroom?
447Encouragingremarksasalespersonmightmaketoacustomer
Thatlooksniceonyou.Thatlooksgreatonyou.That’syourcolor.Thisisyou!It’syou!That’syou!Thatflattersyou.That’sveryflattering.Thatreallyflattersyourfigure.
448Askinghowapurchasewillbepaidfor
Howwouldyouliketopayforthis?Howdoyouwanttopayforthis?
Howdoyouwanttopayforthis?Wouldyouliketoputthatonlayaway?
layaway=apurchasemethodwhereadepositismadeandthemerchandiseisheldbythemerchantuntilthebalanceispaid
Willthatbecashorcredit?Willthatbecashorcharge?Whatmethodofpaymentwillyouuse?Doyouhaveourstorecard?Wouldyouliketosignupforourstorecard?
449Whenasalespersoncannotsupplyexactlywhatiswanted
Wedon’thavethatinyoursize.Wedon’thaveitinthatcolor.We’reoutofthatitem.Icanback-orderthatforyou.Icanissueyouaraincheck.Itwillbedeliveredtothestorewithinaweek.Wecannotifyyoubyphoneore-mail.Youcanorderitfromourwebsite.
450Whenmerchandiseisnotsatisfactory
It’stootight.It’stooloose.
It’stooloose.Idon’tlikethecolor.I’llhavetokeeplookingforwhatIwant.It’salittlepricey.
pricey=expensiveIt’stooexpensive.
451Askingaboutpaymentplansinastore
Isitonsale?Willitbeonsalesoon?Isitgoingonsalesoon?CanIputitonlayaway?
layaway=apurchasemethodwhereadepositismadeandthemerchandiseisheldbythemerchantuntilthebalanceispaid
Canyouholditforme?Willyouholditforme?Doyouhavealayawayplan?Doyoutakecredit?CanIapplyforacreditcard?Whatfinancingoptionsdoyouhave?
452Gettingapurchasegiftwrappedinastore
CanIgetitgiftwrapped?MayIgetitgiftwrapped?CanIgetthisgiftwrapped?Whereisthegift-wrapcounter?Isthereachargeforgiftwrapping?Canyougiftwrapthat?Wouldyoupleasegiftwrapthat?
TELEPHONESANDMOBILEDEVICES
AnsweringtheTelephone
453Receivingcommunicationsonyourmobiledevice
That’smyphone.It’smyringtone.I’mbeingtexted.DoyoumindifItakethiscall?Ineedtotakethiscall.Sorry,doyoumindifItakethis?I’lljustbeaminute.Ijustneedtosendareply.Ineedtotextherback.
454Answeringthetelephone—residential
Hello.Smithresidence.Hello,Smithresidence.Yo!(informal)Yeah!(informal)Yes.JohnJones.Hello,thisisJohnJones(speaking).JohnJones,mayIhelpyou?
JohnJones,mayIhelpyou?John.John,mayIhelpyou?
455Answeringthetelephone—business
CityHall.Whatdepartmentplease?SmithCompany.SmithCompany,mayIhelpyou?Smithco,howmayIdirectyourcall?
456Askingwhomatelephonecallerwantstotalkto
Whodoyouwanttotalkto?Whodoyouwanttospeakwith?Whodoyouwishtospeakto?Whomdoyouwishtospeakto?Withwhomdoyouwishtospeak?(formal)Doyouknowherextension?
457Screeningsomeone’stelephonecalls
MayItellherwho’scalling?MayIaskwhoiscalling?WhommayIsayiscalling?(formal)WhoshallIsayiscalling?
WhomshallIsayiscalling?(formal)Who’scalling?Issheexpectingyourcall?
458Connectingortransferringatelephonecaller
DoyouwishmetopageMrs.Robins?Iwillseeifshe’sinthebuilding.Letmepageher.Letmeconnectyouwiththatdepartment.
459Puttingatelephonecalleronhold
Heisonanotherline.Willyouhold?Wouldyoucaretohold?(formal)Wouldyouliketohold?Justamoment,please.Pleasehold.Hold,please.Holdtheline.(informal)Canyouhold?
460Interruptingatelephonecallwithotherbusiness
Justamoment;Ihaveanothercall.Hangonamoment.
tohangon=towaitHangonasec(ond).
Hangonasec(ond).
461Takingacalloffhold
Forwhomareyouholding?(formal)Whomareyouholdingfor?(formal)Whoareyouholdingfor?
Who’sontheline?Areyoubeinghelped?Haveyoubeenhelped?MayIhelpyou?CanIhelpyou?
462Offeringtotakeamessagefromatelephonecaller
He’snotin;wouldyouliketocallback?Sheisnotavailable.CanItakeamessage?Sheisawayfromherdesk.CanItakeamessage?MayItakeamessage?(formal)CouldItakeamessage?CouldIhavesomeonecallyou?
463Offeringtohelpatelephonecaller
Isthereanyoneelsewhocouldhelpyou?Iwouldbehappytotrytoansweryourquestion.Wouldyoucaretotalktohersecretary?CouldIhelpyou?
464Bringingatelephonecalltoanend
Ihavetogetbacktoworkbeforethebossseesme.Ihavetogetbacktomywork.Iwillcallagainlater.There’ssomeoneontheotherline.Imustsaygood-byenow.Ireallyhavetogonow.I’llhavetotakeyournumberandcallyouback.CanIcallyouback?Somethinghascomeup.Canwecontinuethislater?
Myotherlineisringing.Thedoorbellisringing.
I’llcallyouback.