Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (170 page)

one more thing
Go to one final word.

one more time
Go to once more.

one way or another
somehow.
T
OM
: Can we fix this radio, or do I have to buy a new one? M
ARY
: Don't fret! We'll get it repaired one way or another
.
J
OHN
: I think we're lost. A
LICE
: Don't worry. We'll get there one way or another.

open a conversation
to start a conversation.
I tried to open a conversation with him, but he had nothing to say
.
She opened the conversation with an inquiry into my health, which got me talking about my favorite subject.

or else
or suffer the consequences.
Do what I tell you, or else
.
Don't be late for work, or else!

or what?
a way of adding emphasis to a yes-or-no question that the speaker has asked. (In effect,
if it wasn't what I said, what is it?
)
B
OB
: Now, is this a fine day or what? J
OHN
: Looks okay to me
.
T
OM
: Look at Bill and Mary. Do they make a fine couple or what? B
OB
: Sure, they look great.

or words to that effect
or similar words meaning about the same thing.
J
OHN
: It says right here in the contract, “You are expected to attend without fail,” or words to that effect. M
ARY
: That means I have to be there, huh? J
OHN
: You got it!
S
ALLY
: She said that I wasn't doing my job well, or words to that effect. J
ANE
: Well, you ought to find out exactly what she means. S
ALLY
: I'm afraid I know.

ought to be here any
time Go to should be here any time.

Our house is your house
.
Go to My house is your house.

Out of the question
.
Go to (It's) out of the question.

Out, please
.
Please let me get out. (Said by someone trying to get out of an elevator. Compare to Coming through(, please.))
The elevator stopped again, as it had at every floor, and someone said, “Out, please,” as someone had said at every floor
.
J
ANE
: Out, please. This is my floor. J
OHN
: I'll get out of your way. J
ANE
: Thanks.