Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (57 page)

Get well soon
.
I hope you get well soon. (Literal and formulaic.)
Inside the card, it said, “Sorry you've been sick. Get well soon.
”
Ted, I'm sorry to hear that your arthritis is kicking up again. Try to get well soon, old buddy.

Get you something (to drink)?
Go to (Could I) get you something (to drink)?

Get your nose out of my business
.
Go to Mind your own business.

Getting any?
Go to (You) getting any?

Give it a rest
.
AND
Give
something
a rest. 1
.
Stop talking about a particular subject.
I'm tired of hearing about it. Give it a rest!
You've said everything that can be said. Give it a rest
.
2
.
Stop using one's mouth to talk incessantly.
I've been listening to your constant jabber for the entire afternoon! Now, shut up! Give it a rest!
Aren't you ever quiet? Give it a rest!

Give it time
.
Be patient.; In time, things will change for the better or for the worse.
Things will get better. Don't worry. Give it time
.
Of course, things will improve. Give it time.

Give it up
!
Stop trying. You are wasting your time. (Informal.)
B
OB
: Today was too much! I just can't do calculus! B
ILL
: Give it up! Get out of that course and get into something less cruel. B
OB
: I think I will
.
T
OM
: I'm just not a very good singer, I guess. S
UE
: It's no good, Tom. Give it up! T
OM
: Don't you think I'm doing better, though? S
UE
: Give it up, Tom!

Give it your best shot
.
Make a good try at doing something.
I know it is a difficult assignment, but give it your best shot
.
Go into the meeting relaxed and well prepared. Give it your best shot, and I just know you'll make the sale.

Give me a break! 1
.
Please give me a chance!; Please give me another chance!
B
OB
: I know I can do it. Let me try again. M
ARY
: Well, I don't know. B
OB
: Give me a break! M
ARY
: Well, okay
.
“Give me a break!” cried Mary to the assistant director. “I know I can handle the part.
”
2
.
I have had enough! Drop this matter!; Stop bothering me!
T
OM
: Now I'm going to sing a song about the hill people in my country. M
ARY
: Give me a break! Sing something I know!
“Give me a break!” shouted Bob. “Go away and stop bothering me!
”