Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (197 page)
Read Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts Online
Authors: Richard Spears
take
something
personally
to interpret a remark as if it were mean or critical about oneself.
Don't take it personally, but you really need a haircut
.A: I'm not sure I like what you just said. B: Please don't take it personally.
take umbrage at
something to feel that one has been insulted by something.The employee took umbrage at not getting a raise
.Mary took umbrage at the suggestion that she was being unreasonable.
Taking care of business
.
Go to (Just) taking care of business.
the
talk of
somewhere the frequent subject of conversation in a particular place.The handsome new teacher was the talk of the town
.John's new car is the talk of the office.
talk through
one's
hat
to brag or boast; to tell small lies casually.M
ARY
: I've got the fastest feet in the dorm, and they're going to carry me all the way to the Olympics. S
ALLY
: Oh, Mary, you're just talking through your hat
.“Bill is always talking through his hat,” said Fred. “Don't pay any attention to his bragging.
”
Talk to you soon
.
Go to (I'll) talk to you soon.
Ta-ta
.
Go to Toodle-oo.
T.C.B
.
Go to (Just) taking care of business.
Tell me another (one)
!
Not true!; What you just told me was a lie, so tell me another lie while you're at it.B
ILL
: Did you know that the football coach was once a dancer in a movie? T
OM
: Go on! Tell me another one!“Tell me another one!” laughed Bill at Tom's latest exaggeration.
Tell me more
.
Continue talking and give me more information. (See also Keep talking.)J
AN
: Well, I hear that Mary is leaving Fred. A
NN
: Really? Tell me more
.Q: Would you be interested in learning who is seeing whom on a regular basis, whose initials are F.G.? A: Sure. Tell me more.
(Tell me) this isn't happening
.
I can't believe that this is happening.; Assure me that what seems to be happening isn't really happening.Ye gods! That man just stole my purse! This isn't
happening!My arm is bleeding, and I think my wrist is broken. I think I'm going to pass out. Tell me this isn't happening!