Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (97 page)

I owe you one
.
Thank you for doing something that benefits me, now I owe you a favor.
B
OB
: I put the extra copy of the book on your desk. S
UE
: Thanks. I owe you one
.
B
ILL
: Let me pay for it. B
OB
: Thanks a lot. I owe you one.

I promise you
!
I am telling you the truth! (Compare to Trust me!)
J
OHN
: Things will work out, I promise you! J
ANE
: Okay, but when?
S
UE
: I'll be there exactly when I said. B
OB
: Are you sure? S
UE
: I promise you, I'm telling the truth!

(I) read you loud and clear. 1
.
a response used by someone communicating by radio stating that the person listening understands the transmission clearly. (See also Do you read me?)
C
ONTROLLER
:
This is Aurora Center. Do you read me? P
ILOT
: Yes, I read you loud and clear.
C
ONTROLLER
: Left two degrees. Do you read me? P
ILOT
: Roger. Read you loud and clear
.
2
.
I understand what you are telling me. (Used in general conversation, not in radio communication.)
B
OB
: Okay. Now, do you understand exactly what I said? M
ARY
: I read you loud and clear
.
M
OTHER
: I don't want to have to tell you again. Do you understand? B
ILL
: I read you loud and clear.

(I) really must go
.
an expression announcing or repeating one's intention to depart.
B
OB
: It's getting late. I really must go. J
ANE
: Good night, then. See you tomorrow
.
S
ALLY
: I really must go. J
OHN
: Do you really have to? It's early yet.

I spoke out of turn
.
I said the wrong thing.; I should not have said what I did. (An apology.)
B
ILL
: You said I was the one who did it. M
ARY
: I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn. I was mistaken
.
B
ILL
: I seem to have said the wrong thing. B
OB
: You certainly did. B
ILL
: I spoke out of turn, and I'm sorry.