Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (256 page)

You're only young once
.
You only have a limited period to behave like a young, and perhaps foolish, person.
I
DA
: Sorry we made so much noise last night. D
AN
: It's okay. You're only young once
.
I really hope you are learning something through all your mistakes. Thank heavens you're only young once.

You're out of your mind
!
AND
You've got to be out of your mind
!
You must be crazy for saying or doing that! (Said to someone who has said or done something silly or stupid.)
A
NDREW
: Go to the Amazon? You're out of your mind! J
ANE
: Maybe so, but doesn't it sound like fun?
M
ARY
: Come on, Jane. Let's go swimming in the river. J
ANE
: Look at that filthy water. Swim in it? You've got to be out of your mind!

You're telling me
!
I know all too well the truth of what you are saying.
T
OM
: Man, it's hot today! B
OB
: You're telling me!
J
ANE
: This food is really terrible. S
ALLY
: Wow! You're telling me!

You're the doctor
.
You are in a position to tell me what to do.; I yield to you and your knowledge of this matter. (The person being addressed is most likely not a physician.)
B
ILL
: Eat your dinner, then you'll feel more like playing ball. Get some energy! T
OM
: Okay, you're the doctor
.
T
EACHER
: You'd better study the first two chapters more thoroughly. B
OB
: You're the doctor.

You're too much! 1
.
You are too much of a problem for me.
A
NDREW
: You're too much! I'm going to report you to the head office! B
OB
: Go ahead. See if I care
.
B
OB
: Get out! Just go home! You're too much! A
NDREW
: What did I do? B
OB
: You're a pest!
2
.
You are just too funny, clever, entertaining, etc.
A
LICE
: Oh, Fred, that was really funny. You're too much! F
RED
: I do my best
.
S
ALLY
: What a clever thing to say! You're too much! A
NDREW
: Actually, I didn't make it up myself.