Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (241 page)

With my blessings
.
a phrase expressing consent or agreement; yes.
B
OB
: Can I take this old coat down to the rummage sale? S
UE
: With my blessing
.
M
ARY
: Shall I drive Uncle Tom to the airport a few hours early? S
UE
: Oh, yes! With my blessing!

with
one's
tail between
one's
legs
appearing frightened or cowardly, like a frightened or defeated dog; appearing threatened or humiliated.
John seems to lack courage. When people criticize him unjustly, he just goes away with his tail between his legs and doesn't tell them that they're wrong
.
The frightened dog ran away with its tail between its legs when the bigger dog growled.

With pleasure
.
a phrase indicating eager consent to do something.
F
RED
: Would you please take this note over to the woman in the red dress? W
AITER
: With pleasure, sir
.
S
UE
: Would you kindly bring in the champagne now? J
ANE
: With pleasure.

With whom do you wish to speak?
a polite phrase used by telephone answerers to find out whom the caller wants to speak to. (Compare to Who do you want (to talk to)?)
John answered the telephone and then said, “With whom do you wish to speak?
”
T
OM
(answering the phone): Good morning, Acme Air Products. With whom do you wish to speak? S
UE
: Sorry, I have the wrong number. T
OM
: That's perfectly all right. Have a nice day.

With you in a minute
.
Go to (Someone will) be with you in a minute.

within walking distance
close enough to walk to.
Is the train station within walking distance?
My office is within walking distance from here.

without a doubt
a phrase expressing certainty or agreement; yes.
J
OHN
: This cheese is as hard as a rock. It must have been in the fridge for weeks. F
RED
: It's spoiled, without a doubt
.
M
ARY
: Taxes will surely go up before I retire. J
ANE
: Without a doubt!