Meaning/Usage: To forget about it; to express you don't need an answer any longer
Explanation: Although the sentences below are used in full sentences, this phrase is most commonly used by itself. For example, A: "Can you grab that pen for me?" B: "What did you say?" A: "Never mind."
"Never mind what you were going to do, we need to leave now!"
"Never mind what I said before, I was wrong."
"Never mind cooking dinner for me, I will be home too late."
If You Insist
Meaning/Usage: To agree after the other person demands it
Explanation: "Insist" means to demand something and that they will not accept refusal. It became common to say this phrase by itself when the other person insisted on something.
"We will stay longer if you insist."
"We can go another night if you insist."
"I will call her if you insist."
Stop It!
Meaning/Usage: To ask someone to stop what they are doing.
Explanation: This is a common way of telling a person to stop something that is bothering you. It is more aggressive way of say, "please dont do that."
"Please stop it! You're giving me a headache."
"Stop it before you get hurt!"
"You had better stop it or you will get in trouble!"
It's Nothing
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone that the task you did was not a big deal.
Explanation: It is commonly used when you are being thanked for something that wasn't difficult.
"It's nothing. It didn't take long for me to do this."
"No need to thank me. It's nothing."
"Oh, it's nothing to call and let you know what I find out."
Stop It!
Meaning/Usage: To ask someone to stop what they are doing.
Explanation: This is a common way of telling a person to stop something that is bothering you. It is more aggressive way of say, "please dont do that."
"Please stop it! You're giving me a headache."
"Stop it before you get hurt!"
"You had better stop it or you will get in trouble!"
It's Nothing
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone that the task you did was not a big deal.
Explanation: It is commonly used when you are being thanked for something that wasn't difficult.
"It's nothing. It didn't take long for me to do this."
"No need to thank me. It's nothing."
"Oh, it's nothing to call and let you know what I find out."
What gives?
Meaning/Usage: Used to ask what is the matter or what went wrong
Explanation: The only explanation I found was that this could have come from German borrowing. Germans used the phrase "was gibt es?" as "What is the matter?" or "What's up?" But to be honest. I am not sure about this. However, I do know that in English, it is commonly used to ask "What is the matter?"
"It's not like you to get so upset, what gives?"
"I had no idea you were leaving? What gives?"
"Your mom said you stopped taking piano lessons. What gives?"
Fair Enough
Meaning/Usage: Used after two people agree on something
Explanation: "Fair" means to be legitimate or to be in accordance with the rules. When something is fair, no cheating is happening and nobody has a better advantage. Therefore, this term became popular in spoken English to agree to something.
"It's a fair enough question for me to answer."
"You want a rematch because you were sick when you lost? Fair enough."
"Fair enough, I will try it once to see if I like it."
Cat Got Your Tongue
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone has nothing to say
Explanation: One explanation is that a long time ago, a witches cat would steal the tongue of a person to prevent them from telling others. However, this is only a tale and there are many guesses where this idiomatic phrase came from. Regardless, it is frequently used by someone who has the upper hand in a conversation. If a person cannot counter, or has nothing to say, then the other person can ask "don't you have anything to say?" or "Cat got your tongue?"
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"
"You're being awfully quiet, cat got your tongue?"
"She usually always has an opinion, cat must have gotten her tongue."
My Pleasure
Meaning/Usage: Happy to do something for someone
Explanation: "Pleasure" is to feel happy. When you use this term, you are telling the other person that you are happy to do it.
"It is my pleasure to introduce you to our guests."
"It was my pleasure to work with you."
"It is my pleasure to be involved in something so important."
It Totally Slipped My Mind
Meaning/Usage: To forget something that you had to do
Explanation: When you "slip," you fall. When it falls from the mind, it is no longer there. So when you forget about something, it is common to say, it "slipped my mind."
"I was meaning to call you but it totally slipped my mind."
"There was something I needed to do today but it totally slipped my mind."
"Sorry I forgot about your birthday. It totally slipped my mind."
Give It to Me Straight
Meaning/Usage: Used when you want to hear the truth
Explanation: "Straight" is referring to straightforward. When people had to tell someone bad news, they would try to find ways to make it sound less bad. To do so, it would require a lot more words and a lot of creativity. However, when people want to hear bad news, they don't want to hear something without additions made by the speaker. Therefore, it was common for the listener to be firm and tell the speaker to speak be straightforward and to speak the truth without adding things.
"Just give it to me straight, I can take the news."
"This is hard for me to say so I'm just going to give it to you straight."
"Just give it to me straight. How bad can it be?"
It's written all over your face
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that their face expression is giving a message
Explanation: Face expressions show sadness, happiness, fear, and many other emotions. It also shows when someone is lying or not telling the truth. This phrase is commonly used when the other person is not saying anything, but their face expression is speaking for them.
"I know you did it, it's written all over your face."
"I know that you're sad, it's written all over your face."
"I can tell you are upset. It's written all over your face."
Go For It
Meaning/Usage: To encourage someone to do something that they have planned
Explanation: The literal meaning is to "decide on" or "choose." However, it is commonly used informally to encourage them to take action on something they are thinking about doing.
"I know you want that job. Go for it!"
"If you want to ask her out you're going to have to just go for it."
"Don't let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. Go for it!"
It's a Deal
Meaning/Usage: Agreeing on a proposal
Explanation: Commonly used by itself when agreeing to a proposal made by someone.
"So if I take the kids to swim lessons, you will clean the house? It's a deal!"
"It's a deal. I will clean the garage if you stop bothering me about it."
"If I stop eating donuts, I don't have to run every day? It's a deal!"
Don't Be a Stranger
Meaning/Usage: Commonly used to tell someone to stay in touch
Explanation: This is commonly used when you are talking to someone you don't meet or see often.
"It was really nice seeing you again. Don't be a stranger."
"We need to keep in touch. Don't be a stranger."
"Now that we live so close to one another don't be a stranger."
Let's Go Fifty- Fifty
Meaning/Usage: Used when you are planning to pay half of something.
Explanation: To pay 50% of the bill with another person who will pay the other 50% of the bill.
"Thanks for having dinner with us. Let's split the bill fifty-fifty."
"Let's split our winnings fifty-fifty."
"Let's split the tab for drinks fifty-fifty."
Good for Nothing
Meaning/Usage: Negative statement to indicate someone has no value; useless
Explanation: Another way to look at this statement is to say "There is nothing good about that person."
"That guy is good for nothing."
"That girl is a good for nothing troublemaker."
"I would not let anything he says bother you, he is good for nothing."
You're Telling Me
Meaning/Usage: Agreeing with someone
Explanation: In a statement form, this is agreeing with someone. In a question form, it can be a sarcastic remark related to hypocrisy. For example, a person who is fat tells a less fat person, A: "You need to go on a diet." B: "You're telling me?"
"You're telling me, that book was one of the best I've ever read."
"You're telling me, I already knew that was going to happen if he did not listen."
"You're telling me, if she keeps it up she will lose 20 pounds."
Get a Life
Meaning/Usage: A negative way of telling someone to stop bothering you; to tell someone to stop being a loser
Explanation: This is a rude statement, so please be careful how you use this. It can be similar to saying "f**k off" to someone.
"I wish Terry would get a life."
"Would you stop bothering me and get a life!"
"Come on! Get a life and start taking care of yourself."
Don't Joke With Me
Meaning/Usage: Used when asking someone to be serious
Explanation: "Joke" is defined as something that is said to cause amusement. In this phrase, the person does not find it funny because that person is involved in some way. So they can ask the person to be serious using this phrase.
"He told me she likes me but I said don't joke with me."
"My sister told me I was in trouble and I told her don't joke with me."
"He said I had won a million dollars and I said don't joke with me!"
I Can't Thank You Enough
Meaning/Usage: To be very thankful
Explanation: This is commonly used when you feel that simply saying thank you is not enough. If someone did something very special for you, then you are expressing that no words can repay what they did. So this phrase is used to convey this message.
"I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for me."
"Thanks for everything. I can't thank you enough."
"You were a big help today watching the kids. I can't thank you enough."
My Two Cents
Meaning/Usage: To give or share your opinion
Explanation: This came from the original expression, "my two pennies worth." It has been shortened recently to just "my two cents." This is a way of offering your opinion and saying that is only worth two pennies. It can be seen as a humble way of giving your opinion because you are valuing it at only two cents, but that is not the case these days.
"I don't agree with what's happening. That's just my two cents."
"You didn't ask for my two cents but I'll tell you anyway."
"Just to add my two cents, but I believe changing the design will be a better idea."
Just Name It
Meaning/Usage: Used to express that you are offering to do or give anything the other person asks
Explanation: A shortened way of saying, "tell me anything you want or need."
"I will help you with whatever you need, just name it."
"We can do whatever you want, just name it."
"Just name it and we can do it."
No Worries
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell the person not to worry about it; also used to say you're welcome
Explanation: This is very commonly in both regular daily life and in the work place. It can be used after an apology or after someone says thank you. In both cases, it is telling the person that the event was no big deal and it does not require an apology or a thank you.
"No worries, we can get it done tomorrow."
"No worries, I didn't need it after all."
"No worries, I need to go to bed early anyways."
Why so Blue?
Meaning/Usage: Asking someone why they are so sad.
Explanation: The "blue" in this phrase is the same "blue" of being sad.
"Why so blue, is everything ok?"
"You look so depressed. Why so blue?"
"Why so blue? Did he hurt your feelings?"
Nature Calls
Meaning/Usage: This is used when you have to go to the bathroom. Usually referred to pee (#1) and not poop (#2).
Explanation: Having to go pee is natural. So it became popular to say "nature calls" instead of saying, "I need to go pee."
"Can you pull the car over at a rest stop as soon as you can? Nature calls!"
"I have to go to the restroom. Nature calls."
"That little boy is crossing his legs, nature must be calling."
What's Eating You?
Meaning/Usage: Used to ask someone what's bothering them
Explanation: When something is eating at you, it is consuming your thoughts, time, and energy. It makes you depressed and you suffer from it. This phrase is asking someone who looks depressed why they are not happy.
"You're in a bad mood today. What's eating you?"
"It seems like something is wrong. What's eating you?"
"What's eating you? You don't seem like yourself."
Shame on You
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they did something wrong
Explanation: Having "shame" is very negative. This is frequently used to tell children that they did something wrong.
"You know better than to do that, shame on you."
"I thought I asked you not to make a mess? Shame on you?"
"Shame on you, you know not to eat so much candy before dinner."
Hang In There
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone to not give up; to be persistent; to not lose hope
Explanation: Another term that is often used is "hanging by a thread." In both phrases, the word "hang" is referring to holding to something. If you are holding on to a branch, then letting go indicates that you fall down and fail. Hanging by a thread is barely holding on. So when you tell someone to "hang in there," you are telling them to not let go and keep on fighting even though it is hard.
"Hang in there. I am sure things will work out in the end."
"I know things are tough right now, just hang in there."
"Hang in there. Things will get a lot better."
I Owe You
Meaning/Usage: Similar to giving someone a debt coupon
Explanation: The literal meaning is exactly as it appears. However, this expression is merging all the words together to create a noun phrase. The closest meaning is a debt coupon. The coupon would be a piece of paper that would be a promise to pay back what was borrowed.
"I don't have any money so can I get an I owe you."
"I'll need an I owe you because I don't have any money."
"I used up an I owe you already so he won't let me borrow again!"
Take a Hike
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to go away in a negative way
Explanation: This is a negative way of telling someone to go away, but not as bad as "f**k off." This can be used when you hear something that upsets you and you want to make sure the other person knows you are upset.
"He asked for my phone number and I told him to take a hike."
"He said he would only give me $200 for my car so I told him to take a hike."
"Take a hike, I am not interested."
It's a Piece of Cake
Meaning/Usage: Describes something that is easy to do.
Explanation: In the 1870's, cakes were given as prizes for winning competition. To the winner, it was an easy task. Therefore, "cake" started representing something easy. Another phrase that is similar is "cake walk," which also represents something that is easy.
"That test we took was a piece of cake."
"I put the whole thing together myself. It was a piece of cake."
"I told them I had never done this before and they said it would be a piece of cake."
I'm On My Way
Meaning/Usage: Common way of telling someone that you are going to the person.
Explanation: This is very straightforward. It is very commonly used.
"Don't worry I'm on my way."
"Just be patient, I'm on my way."
"I got your message saying you needed my help. I'm on my way."
I'm Hosed
Meaning/Usage: To be screwed; to be out of luck
Explanation: Early findings of this word came from a saying "to drink water from a fire hose." Basically, if you don't drink water, you are out of luck, and if you drink water from a fire hose, you are out of luck. It is bad in both cases. Therefore, you are out of luck.
"I didn't finish my report on time. I'm hosed."
"I am hosed. My mom found out I skipped school last week."
"I'm hosed. My boss has given me tons of extra work to finish."
It's a Long Story
Meaning/Usage: Used when you don't want to talk about something, if it is difficult to talk about; or if it is hard to explain
Explanation: This expression is straightforward, but can be used to say you don't want to talk about it, even if the story is not very long.
"I know you want to know what happened but it's a long story."
"It's a long story about what happened between us."
"We used to be friends but it's a long story."
Since When
Meaning/Usage: Asking from when
Explanation: This one is a little difficult to explain. It is usually used when you are surprised by someone's action or words. When you know a person does not usually do something, you can start with "since when." This would indicate to the person that you know that they usually don't do this, but want to know when they started doing it.
"Since when have you been interested in my opinion?"
"Since when have you been coming to this gym?"
"Since when did you become so good at tennis?"
Got It
Meaning/Usage: Asking someone if they understand; telling someone you understand
Explanation: To "get" something is to understand something. So it became common to simply ask or say "got it."
"You will need to follow the directions if you want to do it right, got it?"
"If you're not home before 8 o'clock you will be in trouble, got it?"
"This is how you put the puzzle together, got it?"
You Wish
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they will not get what they want.
Explanation: Many wishes do not come true. This expression is telling the person that what they want will be only a wish and not reality.
"You want straight A's like her? You wish!"
"You think she'll go on a date with you? You wish!"
"You think you're going to beat my high score? Don't you wish."
You're Dressed to Kill
Meaning/Usage: Being dressed in a way to make people notice you; dressed very nicely; dressed to attract sexual attention
Explanation: This can be a compliment to some people, but it might not be to others. The reason is because it contains some level of sexuality in the meaning.
"I really like your outfit! You're dressed to kill."
"She must be trying to impress him. She is dressed to kill."
"That girl is dressed to kill tonight."
Behave Yourself
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to stay out of trouble
Explanation: Normally this is used to tell children to behave appropriately. However, friends use it with one another like they use "stay out of trouble."
"If you're going to have dinner at their house you'd better behave yourself."
"Oh behave yourself, your being naughty."
"Behave yourself when you're at school."
That Figures
Meaning/Usage: Another way of say, "that makes sense" or "I'm not surprised to hear that."
Explanation: "Figures" are related to numbers. When numbers add up, it is logical. When something is logical it makes sense and you are not surprised. This expression is commonly used when a person hears something they have not heard before, but is not surprised by it even though it was alarming, because other pieces of information made it logical.
"He said he did not like your ideas? That figures."
"She only asked her closest friends to the party? That figures."
"He won't talk to you after that incident? That figures."
Do Tell
Meaning/Usage: A slang way of telling someone to tell you what they know.
Explanation: This was seen in movies and is primarily used in informal speaking.
"You heard about that rumor already? Do tell."
"Martha and Jake are breaking up? Do tell."
"Do tell. I'm dying to know what he said about me."
No Sweat
Meaning/Usage: Telling someone it is "no problem"
Explanation: "Sweat" refers to the water that comes from your pores after hard work or exercise. This phrase became popular to tell someone that the task is not a problem and that it will not cause any sweat.
"I can finish it for you, no sweat."
"No sweat. We can always get together another time."
"No sweat. It's not that big of a deal."
I Blew It
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that you made a big mistake
Explanation: When something blows up, it is destroyed. Therefore, blow up implies in this context means to make a big mistake to damage any opportunities. Because making mistakes are very common, a simple way of saying this was needed so people started saying, "I blew it."
"I really thought I was going to get the promotion, but I blew it."
"I thought he really liked me but I blew it."
"I was trying to surprise her for her birthday, but I blew it."
Maddening
Meaning/Usage: Extremely annoying; to make you very mad
Explanation: This is a straightforward.
"Trying to make you happy sometimes is maddening."
"Trying to figure out the answers to this test is maddening."
"There was a maddening delay at the train station."
I Messed Up
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that you made a mistake
Explanation: This is a very common phrase. It is not as bad as "I blew it" but it also means to make a mistake. However, "I blew it" refers to making a big mistake to lose out on an opportunity, while "I messed up" can be used more freely to indicate any sort of mistake.
"I messed up. I got a ticket for speeding on the highway."
"I messed up, I lost my wallet at the airport."
"He is really upset with me. I messed up."
I Beg to Differ
Meaning/Usage: A polite way of disagreeing
Explanation: Sounds very British for an American. And British English is seen as more polite.
"I beg to differ. I don't think that is the right way to handle the situation."
"I beg to differ. You did a really nice job and deserved the promotion."
"I beg to differ. What he did was inexcusable."
Rise and Shine
Meaning/Usage: Phrase used to wake someone up nicely
Explanation: "Rise" means to get up and "shine" in this context means to "act lively and do well."
"It's time to rise and shine sweetheart."
"You'd better rise and shine or you'll be late for work."
"Rise and shine sleepy head, it's time for breakfast."
You Bet
Meaning/Usage: Telling someone yes in a definite way
Explanation: When you "bet" on something, you are placing a wager that you are right. In this context, "bet" is being absolutely sure. "You bet" is usually used when someone asks for something. Instead of saying "yes," saying "you bet" is more positive and makes the listener feel better.
"You bet I'll be at your game. I would not miss it."
"I can help you with your project, you bet."
"You bet I'm going to talk to her, she is beautiful."
Pie in the Sky
Meaning/Usage: Pleasant to imagine but impossible to attain
Explanation: Comes from a song written by Joe Hill. It indicated that you will get heavenly rewards after death. However, people who did not believe in heaven turned this phrase into an idiom to express something pleasant that is unattainable.
"Her desire to be an actress ended up just being a pie in the sky."
"His dreams of becoming a famous singer are just a pie in the sky."
"Their ideas about living in space are just a pie in the sky."
No Strings Attached
Meaning/Usage: Without any conditions
Explanation: Imagine that you see a money on the ground. When you go pick it up, it disappears. It was too good to be true. What happened is that someone had a piece of string on the bill and when you went to pick it up, the person pulled on the string so you could get it. So when a string is attached to something, it must be a trick of some sort that requires you to do additional things to get what you want. Because tricking people was popular, the phrase "no strings attached" because common by salesmen to indicate that they are not tricking you to buy something.
"We are giving away free t-shirts, no strings attached."
"He said he would finish the work for free, no strings attached."
"The grocery store is giving away free candy, no strings attached."
Sleep Tight
Meaning/Usage: Get a good nights sleep
Explanation: Comes from the saying, "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."
"Sleep tight, you have a lot to get done tomorrow."
"I hope you sleep tight after an exhausting day."
"Not sure if she will sleep tight after watching that scary movie."
It Can't Hurt
Meaning/Usage: Hoping nothing will go wrong to try or do something
Explanation: Whenever there is action, there is reaction. Sometimes the reaction or the result can be negative on you. Because of this, people became cautious about changing to things that they are not familiar with. However, after thinking for a long time and not being able to find anything negative, people would use this common phrase.
"I'm trying a new diet, it can't hurt, right?"
"It can't hurt to get another opinion."
"I say it can't hurt to let him know how you feel."
I Couldn't Agree With You More
Meaning/Usage: To completely agree with someone
Explanation: This is the highest level of agreeing with someone because they can't agree more than they do. It is straightforward and very common.
"I couldn't agree with you more, this place is beautiful."
"I couldn't agree with you more, spending more time with each other would be nice."
"You didn't like that movie either? I couldn't agree with you more."
Thank Goodness
Meaning/Usage: Expression to indicate relief
Explanation: Another popular way people indicate relief is to say "Thank God"
"Thank goodness this dress still fits, I have nothing else to wear."
"Thank goodness we got our tickets early, the concert is now sold out."
"Thank goodness he doesn't suspect anything. I really want it to be a surprise."
You Made It
Meaning/Usage: To succeed at something; to arrive
Explanation: The literal meaning to say a person arrived. But another common meaning is to say they succeeded at something.
"I can't believe you made it. It was a difficult task."
"You made it! I didn't think you were going to show up."
"I heard you made it a whole week without smoking?"
Whatever
Meaning/Usage: An expression used to indicate you don't believe the other person
Explanation: This is also commonly used as an expression by itself. For example, when someone says something outrageous, you can simply respond with "Whatever!"
"Whatever, I know you like him."
"You're saying I can't go out tonight with my friends? Whatever!"
"Whatever! You know I don't believe you."
I'm Sick of It
Meaning/Usage: To express that you are tired of something; to express you don't like something anymore
Explanation: This is commonly used when something happens so often that you are tired of it.
"I'm not sure about you, but I'm sick of it!"
"I don't know why she's acting that way, but I'm sick of it."
"I'm sick of it. We need to stop arguing so much."
Get Out of Here
Meaning/Usage: Common way to express disbelief
Explanation: You are not telling someone to literally get out. This is a common idiomatic phrase to express disbelief. Often times it is used in a positive way as in the first example sentence below.
"Get out of here! We actually finished in first place?"
"Get out of here. She would never say such a thing about me."
"Get out of here. That's hard to believe."
You Made It Big
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone succeeded financially
Explanation: Very similar to the idiom "you made it" but includes the word "big" The word "big" is talking about money so it is expressing to someone that they have succeeded financially.
"I can't believe you have your own business! You made it big!"
"I can't believe how nice your house is. You made it big."
"You made it big! Your parents will be proud of you."
In Your Dreams
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they will not get what they want.
Explanation: Although the sentences below are used in full sentences, this phrase is commonly used by itself.
"Sure you will be a millionaire one day, in your dreams."
"You will be as good as me in your dreams."
"You think you will beat me? In your dreams."
Hold On a Sec
Meaning/Usage: To tell someone to wait; to slow down; an expression used before providing a different point of view or opinion
Explanation: This is fairly straightforward. "Sec" in this context is one "second." You're basically telling someone to wait because you are about to say something else.
"Hold on a sec, I thought you were staying home tonight?"
"Hold on a sec, are you serious?"
"Hold on a sec. This is different from what you told me yesterday."
That's easier said than done
Meaning/Usage: This is used when something is easy to say but very hard to do.
Explanation: This phrase is very literal. Often times people tell you to do something that sounds easy, but it is actually hard. So in response, you can say this phrase.
"I want to quit smoking but that's easier said than done."
"She wants me to be more romantic but that's easier said than done."
"I wish I could just retire a wealthy man but that's easier said than done."
You Never Know
Meaning/Usage: Expressing that the unlikely could happen
Explanation: This is short for "You never can be certain of anything."
"I don't think I'll get the job but you never know."
"You never know. Some people don't mind the rain."
"You never know. He still could change his mind."
Back to the grind
Meaning/Usage: Going back to work after a break
Explanation: "Back" is going back to something. Grinding something is hard work, so going back to the "grind" is going back to hard work.
"Ok everyone break time is over, get back to the grind."
"Back to the grind for me. I'll catch you later."
"Time to get back to the grind. I need to finish so I can leave on time."
It Serves You Right
Meaning/Usage: Expressing that justice happened because the person got what they deserved
Explanation: This is usually said when something bad happens to someone who continually did something bad.
"It serves you right. You were not nice to him."
"It serves him right. He can't expect to win when he cheats during the game."
"It serves you right. You got what you deserved."
I Can't Wait
Meaning/Usage: Being excited about something
Explanation: This is very literal. This phrase is usually used by itself and does not need to be in a full sentence.
"We only have 7 more days until vacation! I can't wait!"
"I can't wait. They are going to announce the contest winners today."
"I can't wait for summer to get here, I don't like the cold weather."
Lighten Up
Meaning/Usage: Telling someone to not be depressed
Explanation: This is very similar to "cheer up." It can also be used to tell someone not to be negative.
"Lighten up. Things could be worse."
"Lighten up. We can go to the movies another day."
"Lighten up. There will be another chance to play."
Good Point
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone that they had a good comment, thought, or suggestion
Explanation: "Point" can be seen as an idea, a statement, or a thought.
"Good point, I should have followed the instructions while building it."
"Good point, I will call her to explain what happened."
"That is a very good point."
Just My Luck
Meaning/Usage: Expression used when something bad happens to you
Explanation: This is commonly used to tell someone that you are unlucky.
"That's just my luck, I never win at anything."
"Just my luck, my boss asked me to work late tonight."
"Just my luck, I got a speeding ticket on the way home."
It's Up To You
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell a person that they are the one to make a decision
Explanation: "Up to" is commonly used to indicate a decision. It is common to say, "up to her," or "up to them," or "up to me."
"It's up to you, but I don't think we should bother him."
"I don't care what we do tonight, it's up to you."
"It's up to you whether we invite them to the party."
Hop In
Meaning/Usage: Used to tell someone to get in the car
Explanation: "Hop" is like a small jump. So this phrase is pretty straightforward.
"Hop in. You can ride with me to the grocery store."
"Hop in. We need to leave right away."
"If you need a ride home, hop on in."
I Told You So
Meaning/Usage: This is used when you already told someone something and it came true
Explanation: This is commonly used when you give someone advice and they don't listen to you. Afterwards, the person you gave advice to did not get what they wanted, and if they had listened to you, they would have succeeded. In this case, you can use this expression.
"I knew that was a bad idea, I told you so."
"I told you so. You should have listened to me."
"You shouldn't be surprised, because I told you so."
You Know Better Than That
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone makes a mistake that they shouldn't have made
Explanation: This is used more commonly with children, but can also be used to adults. However, this can make the person feel a little bad because you are speaking to them like a child.
"Mary said you were rude to her, you know better than that."
"You know better than that. Now pick up the mess you made before going outside."
"Come on, you know better than that."
Has Been Burned
Meaning/Usage: To get screwed; to get a bad deal; to be tricked
Explanation: When you are burned, it hurts. When you are screwed, get a bad deal, or get cheated, that hurts too. So it became common to use "burned" in this manner.
"I don't know why he keeps calling her. He's been burned by her numerous times."
"I have been burned by making bad decisions before."
"I got burned on that used car we bought."
Keep Me in the Loop
Meaning/Usage: To be informed about everything regarding that subject
Explanation: "Loop" is a cycle or a continual circular motion. When you are not in the circle, then you don't know what is going on. So being in the loop is indicating that you are aware of the situation. Being kept in the loop is asking someone to keep you informed about what is happening.
"I really want to know what happens so keep me in the loop."
"Keep me in the loop so I'm included."
"Thanks for the update. Keep me in the loop."
I'll Be Down
Meaning/Usage: To agree to participate in the plan
Explanation: "Down" comes from "down to earth." When you are down to earth, you are realistic and not imagining things. Therefore, when you are "down," you are basically legitimate or a real. This is an informal way of saying you are in for the plan.
"If you don't want to go to the pool, I'll be down for whatever."
"I'll be down with whatever you guys want to do tonight."
"Going to the movies sounds good, I'm down."
Get to the Point
Meaning/Usage: Used when someone is not providing the piece of information that is the most important.
Explanation: When someone is telling you something and they are going around in circles without coming to any conclusion or without providing the main point, you can use this by itself to tell someone to stop going around in circles and to tell you what they mean.
"Can you please get to the point? You're taking forever."
"Get to the point, you're making no sense."
"If you can just get to the point maybe I can help you."
Down to Earth
Meaning/Usage: Realistic; reasonable; sensible
Explanation: When you are down to earth, you are realistic, reasonable, and does not imagine unnecessary things.
"I really like them. They are so down to earth."
"They are really down to earth and easy to get along with."
"They live their life very down to earth."
Sure Thing
Meaning/Usage: To express that you will do something
Explanation: If someone asks you for help, you can respond with "sure thing" to indicate certainty.
"You want me to call you tomorrow? Sure thing."
"Sure thing. I'll be there!"
"I can help you move. Sure thing."
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar