Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (3 page)
Read Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts Online
Authors: Richard Spears
After you
.
a polite way of encouraging someone to go ahead of oneself; a polite way of indicating that someone else should or can go first.
Bob stepped back and made a motion with his hand indicating that Mary should go first. “After you,” smiled Bob.B
OB
: It's time to get in the food line. Who's going to go first? B
ILL
: After you. B
OB
: Thanks.
Afternoon
.
Go to (Good) afternoon.
Again(, please)
.
Say it one more time, please.The play director said, “Again, please. And speak more clearly this time.
”T
OM
: I need some money. I'll pay you back. B
ILL
(pretending not to hear): Again, please. T
OM
: I said I need some money. How many times do I have to say it?
Age before beauty
.
a comical and slightly rude way of encouraging someone to go ahead of oneself; a comical, teasing, and slightly grudging way of indicating that someone else should or can go first.As they approached the door, Bob laughed and said to Bill, “Age before beauty.
”“No, no. Please, you take the next available seat,” smiled Tom. “Age before beauty, you know.
”
Ahem
!
Excuse me!; Look in this direction!; Give me your attention! (This is a way of spelling the sound of clearing one's throat to draw someone's attention.)A
NDY
: Ahem! D
ON
: Did somebody say something? A
NDY
: Ahem! D
AVE
: Oh, sorry, Andy. What do you want?D
AVE
: Ahem! Andy. A
NDY
: What? D
AVE
: There was a spider crawling up your pants leg, but I don't see it now.
Ain't it the truth?
Isn't that just the way it is?; I agree with you completely. (Informal.)A: Things aren't the way they used to be in the good old days. B: Ain't it the truth?A: You just can't buy good shoes anymore. B: Ain't it the truth?
alive and kicking
Go to alive and well.
alive and well
AND
alive and kicking; safe and sound
safe, healthy, and unharmed.Q: How have you guys been? Haven't seen much of you. A: We're alive and well. Having a great time!Q: Have you heard from Tom and Jan? Did they go out of town? A: No, they're at home, safe and sound.