Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (12 page)

as you say 1
.
AND
like you say
a phrase indicating (patronizing) agreement with someone. (The
like
is used colloquially only.)
J
OHN
: Things are not going well for me today. What should I do? B
OB
: Some days are like that. As you say, it's just not going well for you, that's all.
J
OHN
: This arrangement is not really good. There's not enough room for both of us. M
ARY
: I guess you're right. It is
crowded, and, like you say, there's not enough room
.
2
.
(usually
As you say
.
) a polite and formal way of indicating agreement or acquiescence. (Literally, I will do as you say.)
J
OHN
: Please take this to the post office. B
UTLER
: As you say, sir.
B
UTLER
: There is a Mr. Franklin at the door. M
ARY
: Thank you, James. Tell him I've gone to Egypt for the winter. B
UTLER
: As you say, madam.

at best
at most; according to the highest estimate.
A: I hope things went well for your reception. B: We were hoping for a large crowd, but there were only a dozen there at best.
What a lousy team. Only half the players at best are major-league quality!

at that
considering what has been mentioned; after you have thought about it.
Now that you mention it, his talents are pretty valuable at that.
F
ATHER
: Despite her caustic manner, Mary has been very helpful to us. M
OTHER
: I guess she has been pretty helpful at that.

at the end of the day
when everything is over. (Also literal.)
We all try to do the right thing in our business deals, and at the end of the day, it ought to be appreciated by our customers.
Don't sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, it will all come out in the wash. You better believe it!

at the present time
now. (Almost a cliché.)
“We are very sorry to report that we are unable to fill your order at the present time,” stated the little note on the order form.
M
ARY
: How long will it be until we can be seated? W
AITER
: There are no tables available at the present time, madam. M
ARY
: But, how long?