McGRAW-HILL'S Conversational American English

25. Leaving a place

Are we ready to leave? Are you about finished? Are you ready to go? Ready to go? Ready to roll? (slang) Are we away? (slang) Let's blow. (slang) (blow = leave) Let's get out of this taco stand. (slang)(taco stand = a cheap place; an undesirable place) Let's blow this joint. (slang) (= Let's leave this place.) Let's go while the going's good. (cliché) (Let's = Time to, We've got to) Let's get while the getting's good. (cliché) Let's head out. Let's beat a hasty retreat. (cliché) Let's make tracks. (informal) make tracks = leave a trail (as we go) Let's motor. (slang) to motor = to leave by automobile Let's hit the road, {¡long) Let's boogie. (slang) Let's split. (slang) Let's make like a tree and leave. (jocular) Let's make like the wind and blow. (jocular) Let's make like a banana and split. (jocular) Exit stage right. Exit stage left. Retreat! (slang)

98. Questioning someone's sanity

Are you crazy? Is he nuts? (slang) (nuts = crazy) Are you psychotic, or what? Are you out of your mind? Are you out of your head? Are you out of your gourd? (informal) (gourd = head) Are you out of your skull? (informal) Are you out of your tree? (slang) Are you out of it? Have you gone crazy? Have you gone insane? Have you gone mad? Have you gone stark raving mad? Have you gone loco? (informal) [loco (Spanish) = crazy] Have you gone plumb loco? (informal) (plumb loco = completely crazy) Have you lost your mind? Have you lost your senses? Have you lost your marbles? Have you wigged out? (slang) Have you completely flipped out? (slang) Have you flipped your lid? (slang) Have you completely lost it? (informal) Have you completely lost touch with reality? Have you taken leave of your senses? Do you have a screw loose? (slang) What planet are you from? Do you have rocks in your head? (informal) Do you have bats in your belfry? (slang) Are there bats in your belfry? (slang) Are you playing with a full deck? (slang)

62. Asking someone for a date

Are you free Saturday evening? Are you free Saturday night? Are you busy on the 15th? What are you up to this weekend? What are you doing next weekend? Would you like to go to dinner? Would you like to go out to dinner with me? I was wondering if you'd like to go out. I was wondering if you'd like to see a movie. If you're not doing anything, would you like to go to a party with me? If you don't have other plans, would you like to go dancing?

78. Instructions about keeping a secret

Better keep quiet about it. Better keep still about it. Keep it to yourself. Don't breathe a word of this to anyone. Don't breathe a word of it. Don't let it out of this room. (it = the secret) Don't let this go any further. Don't tell a soul. (a soul = a person) Mums the word. (mum = a word referring to a closed mouth) It's on the QT. (slang) (QT = quiet) Play dumb. This is top secret. This is for your eyes only. This is for your ears only. Don't say I told you. Don't say who told you. This is off the record. (off the record = not to be reported or quoted) This is not for the record. This is not to be quoted. This is not for public knowledge. This is not public knowledge. This is not for publication.

26. When someone is leaving on a journey

Bon voyage! Have a good trip! Have a nice flight. Have a nice trip. Have a safe trip. Have a safe journey. Drive carefully. Take care of yourself. Take care. Well miss you. All the best.

87. When someone is anxious and under stress

Calm down. Simmer down. Control yourself. (informal) Don't go into hysterics. Don't be such a worrywart. (a worrywart = a person who worries a lot) Don't worry yourself sick. Don't lose sleep over it. Don't let it get to you. Don't trouble yourself. You'll send yourself to an early grave. (an early grave = an early death)

60. Inviting someone to dance

Care to dance? Would you like to dance? You want to dance? (informal) Could I have the next dance? May I have the next dance? (formal)

14. Inviting a friend for a drink or coffee

Do you have time for coffee? How about a cup of coffee? Let's go get coffee. Do you have any time? Let's go for coffee. Let's go for a beer. Let's go for a drink.

32. Making sure you are understood

Do you know what I mean? Do you know what I'm talking about? Know what I mean? Does that make any sense? Am I making sense? Are you following me? Know what I'm saying? You know? Do you see what I mean? See what I mean? Don't you see? Do you get the message? Do you get the picture? Get the message? Gee the picture? Get my drift? Do you get it? Get it? Do you follow? Do you follow me? Dig? (slang) = Do you understand? Understand? Do you understand? Do you hear what I'm saying? Do you hear me? Do you see where I'm coming from? where I'm coming from = what my position is Do you agree? You're with me, right? Are you with me on this? Do we see eye to eye on this?

88. Encouraging someone not to be offended—informal

Don't get all bent out of shape! Don't get your nose out of joint! Don't be so sensitive! Learn to roll with the punches. I didn't mean any harm.

91. Encouraging someone to be less aggressive—informal

Don't have a cow! Don't have a conniption fit. Don't throw a fit. Don't have a fit. Give it a break. Give it a rest. You got ants in your pants?

74. Encouraging someone to be prudent—clichés

Don't jump the gun. (to jump the gun = to start a race before the starting gun is fired = to do something too early) Don't go off half-cocked. (half cocked = ill-prepared) Don't go chomping at the bit. [chomp = to bite (as with an eager horse)] Don't put the cart before the horse. Don't count your chickens before they hatch. = Don't base your plans on something that hasn't developed yet. Don't cross that bridge till you come to it. = We will deal with that when the time comes. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Don't get ahead of yourself.

50. Encouraging someone to speak plainly

Enough already. (informal) Out with it! (informal) = Say it!; Speak out! Don't mince words. (to mince = to cut up or disguise) Spare (me) nothing. Lay it on the line. (informal) Tell it to me like a man. (informal) Give it to me straight. (informal) (straight = unadorned) Give it to me in plain English. (plain English = simple and direct terms) Don't beat around the bush. (idiomatic) Stop beating around the bush. (idiomatic) Stop circumventing the issue. Put your cards on the table. (idiomatic) Stop speaking in circles. What does that mean in English? (informal) Cut the crap. (mildly vulgar) (crap = dung = needless talk)

100. Encouraging someone to be more sensible

Get a life! (informal) Get real! Snap out of it. Get with the program. (informal) Come back to earth. (informal)

11. Telling how you have been doing—neutral

Getting by. Been getting by. Fair to middling. (folksy) So-so. (informal) Plugging along. (informal) Could be worse. Could be better. (Just) muddling through. Same as always. Same as usual. Same o(l)' same o(l)' (informal)

68. Expressing encouragement

Go on; you can do it! Just a little harder. Hang in there. Stick with it. Give it a shot. Give it your best shot. Give it your best. Keep at it. Keep your nose to the grindstone. (idiomatic) = Keep bent over your work. = Keep working bard. Hang in there. (informal) Hang tough. (slang) Stick it out. (informal)

3. Greetings for various times of the day

Good morning. Morning. Mornin'. (informal) How are you this bright morning? Good afternoon. Afternoon. Good evening. Evening.

24. Taking leave of someone

Good running into you. (running into you = meeting up with you) Nice running into you. Nice talking to you. Take care. (It was) good to see you. (It was) nice to see you. Nice meeting you. It was a pleasure meeting you. (formal) It is a pleasure to have met you. (formal) It's been a real pleasure. (formal)

16. When you have just been introduced to someone

Good to meet you. Nice to meet you. Nice meeting you. How nice to meet you. (formal) How very nice to meet you. (formal) What a pleasure to meet you. (formal) It's a pleasure to have finally met you. (formal) I am pleased to make your acquaintance. (formal) I'm happy to meet you. I'm glad to meet you. Glad to meet you. Charmed. (formal) A pleasure. (formal)

23. Simple good-byes

Good-bye. Bye. Bye-bye. So long. Ta-ta. (informal) Farewell. Cheerio. Hasta la vista. (Spanish) Adios. (Spanish) Auf wiedersehen. (German) Sayonara. (Japanese) Arrivederci. (Italian) Au revoir. (French) Adieu. (French) Ciao. (Italian) Good day. (formal) Good evening. (formal) Good night. Good-bye until later. Good-bye until next time. Good-bye for now. See you later. See you later, alligator. (slang) Later, gator. (slang) Later. (informal) I'll try to catch you later. I'll catch you later. Catch you later. I'll talk to you soon. Let's get together soon. I'll be seeing you. I'll see you real soon. See ya. (informal) See you real soon. See you around. See you in a little while. See you next year. See you then. See you tomorrow.

95. Questions a smoker might ask

Got a match? You got a lighter? Can I bum a light? (to bum = to beg) Can I bum a cigarette off you? Can I have a drag? (a drag = a puff of smoke) Where is the smoking room? Where can you smoke around here? Do you mind if I smoke?

45. Starting an informal conversation

Guess what? Have you heard the latest? Have you heard? Did you hear what happened? Did you hear the news? Did you get the scoop? (informal) the scoop = the most recent news You'll never guess what I heard. You'll never guess what I read online. Guess what I just saw online. Guess what I just found out. You won't believe this. You won't believe what Bill just told me. Get a load of this. (informal) a load = a sampling Get this. (informal) Dig this. (slang) to dig = to understand

57. Commenting on the uniqueness of someone

He's one of a kind. Sue's one of a kind. What a character! They don't make them like him anymore. (cliché) After they made him, they broke the mold. (cliché)

99. Asking about the alertness of someone

Hello? (informal) What are you thinking? What's your deal? (informal) What's your problem? (informal) What {[kind of] drugs) are you on? (injormal) What have you been smoking? (informal) Where's your head? (informal) What's with you? (informal) Are you serious? What planet are you on? (informal) Earth to Bill. (informal)

1. Simple greetings

Hi! Hello! Hello there! Howdy! Hey! Yo! (slang)

2. General greetings

How are you? How's it going? How's it been? How is everything? How's everything? How have you been? How've you been? How you been? (informal) How's tricks? (informal) What have you been up to? What's new? (informal) What's up? (informal) Wusup? / Wassup? (slang) What's happening? (slang) What's going on? (slang)

18. Asking how someone is

How are you? How's your family? How's the family? How are you doing? How are you doing today? How you doing? Are you doing OK? How are you feeling? How you feeling? Are you feeling better today? How have you been? How you been?

8. Concerning a journey or vacation

How was it? How did it go? Did everything go OK? Did you have fun? You'll have to tell us all about it. Did you take any pictures? Do you have pictures? Were the locals friendly? Were the natives friendly? Did you bring me anything? We missed you. We missed you around here. We've missed you around here. It just wasn't the same without you.

19. Asking someone how things are going

How're things? How re things with you? How're things going? How's with you? How's by you? (slang) How's business? How's tricks? (slang) How's it shakin'? (slang) How's everything? How's every little thing? {folksy) How's everything going? How's it going? How goes it? How goes it with you? How are you getting on? How are you getting along? How's the world (been) treating you?

37. Expressing rejection

I can't stand it. I hate it. I don't care for it. I don't like it. It's not my style. It stinks. (informal) It sucks. (mildly vulgar) It reeks. (informal) My kid could do that. It's awful. It's terrible. It's hideous. It's dreadful. It's hell on earth. (informal) I don't get it. Don't quit your day job.

35. Stating strong disagreement

I disagree completely. I couldn't disagree (with you) more. Horsefeathers! (slang) Bullshit. (taboo) That's BS. (mildly vulgar) Bull. (mildly vulgar) Baloney. (slang) That's a load of crap. (mildly vulgar) That's a lot of bull. (mildly vulgar) That's a lot of baloney. (slang) That's a bunch of baloney. (slang) That's a bunch of malarkey. (slang) Lies! That's a lie. That's a big, fat lie. (informal) You're lying through your teeth. Look me in the eye and say that.

67. Expressing trust in someone

I have faith in you. I have the utmost faith in you. I have complete faith in you. I trust you completely. I trust you implicitly. I have faith in you. I have confidence in you.

4. Greeting a person you haven't seen in a long time

I haven't seen you in years! Long time no see! (informal) I haven't seen you in an age! I haven't seen you in a month of Sundays! (a month of Sundays = a long time)

31. Stating that you understand

I hear you. I hear you, man. I hear what you're saying. I see what you're saying. I can see what you're saying. I can see that. I see what you mean. I see where you're coming from. I know what you mean. Point well taken. I know what you're talking about. I understand what you're saying. Understood. I dig it. (slang) I can dig it. (slang) I got you. Gotcha. (I) got it. I follow you. I'm with you. I'm there with you. I've been there. Read you loud and clear. Roger. Roger, wilco. wilco = will comply Roger Dodger. (slang)

44. Confirming that you are paying attention

I hear you. I heard you. I'm listening. I'm still here. I'm all ears.

55. Answers to "How did you find out?"

I heard it through the grapevine. (the grapevine = a chain of rumors) I heard it on the grapevine. A little bird told me. (cliché) I have my sources. I got it straight from the horse's mouth. (idiomatic) (from the Itorse's mouth =from the source) It's common knowledge. We live in a fishbowl. (informal) (= We are completely on display; We are openly visible to everyone.) Word travels fast. (cliché) News travels fast. (cliché) Bad news travels fast. (cliché) None of your business. (informal) Just never (you) mind. We have our ways (of finding these things out). (jocular) I plead the fifth. (informal) I'm taking the fifth. (informal) (the fifth = the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects against self incrimination) I'm not one to kiss and tell. (cliché) (to kiss and tell = to do something secret and tell everyone about it)

21. Ending a telephone conversation

I really have to go now. We'll talk sometime. There's someone on the other line. I must say good-bye The doorbell is ringing. I'll call you back. Can I call you back? Something has come up. I have to get back to my work. I'll call again later. Can we continue this later? My other line is ringing. I have to get back to work before the boss sees me. I won't keep you any longer. I'll let you go now.

79. Promising to keep a secret

I won't tell a soul. (a soul = a person) My lips are sealed. (cliché) It won't leave this room. Wild horses couldn't drag it out of me. (cliché) I'll take it to my grave. = I'll die without telling the secret to anyone.

15. Introducing someone to someone else

I'd like you to meet my friend Mary. I'd like you to meet Mary. This is my friend Mary. John. (this is) Mary. Mary, John. Mary, have you met John? Mary, do you know John? Mary, shake hands with John Jones. Do you two know each other? Have you met? Have you two been introduced? Haven't you been introduced? Oh, I'm sorry; how silly of me. This is Mary. Mary, John is the guy I was telling you about. (informal) You two have a lot in common.

27. Making plans to keep in touch with someone

I'll call you when I get home. Call when you get there. Don't forget to call. Write me. Let's write. You've got my e-mail address? Text me. I'm on Facebook. (Facebook = Twitter, MySpace, Linkedln, etc.) Let's do lunch. I'll be in touch. Let's keep in touch.

65. Expressing support for someone

I'll stand by you. I'm standing behind you. I am 100 percent behind you. I'm with you. I'm on your side. I've got your back. (informal) You've got my support. You've got my backing. You've got my vote. You can count on me. You can trust me. You can put your trust in me. You can put your faith in me.

83. When you are out of money

I'm broke. (broke = without any money) I'm dead broke. I'm flat broke. I'm flatter than a pancake. (informal) (flatter than a pancake = as flat broke as is possible) I don't have a dollar to my name. (to my name = in my ownership) I don't have a penny to my name. I don't have a cent to my name. I don't have a red cent. (informal) (red cent = a copper penny) I'm busted. (slang) (busted = without any money) I'm as poor as a church mouse. (idiomatic) My pockets are empty. I have empty pockets. All I have is the shirt on my back. (the shirt on my back = the clothes that you see me in) I've got nothing but the shirt on my back. All I have is my good name. (my good name = my reputation) I don't know where my next meal is coming from. My savings are wiped out. I've lost everything. I'm bankrupt.

86. When you are overworked and doing too much

I'm burning the candle at both ends. (cliché) I scarcely have time to breathe. I have no time to call my own.

9. Expressing your state of health and happiness

I'm fine. I'm cool. (slang) Keeping cool. Dandy. (informal) Fine and dandy. Great. Couldn't be better. Happy as a clam. (cliché) Okay. All right. (I) can't complain. No complaints. I have nothing to complain about.

85. Expressing stress or anxiety

I'm going nuts. (slang) I'm going crazy. I'm losing my mind. I'm losing my marbles. (informal) (losing my marbles = losing my intellect) I'm freaking out. (slang) I'm mad at the world. I need a break. I need some sleep. I'm going to explode. My head is going to explode. Everything is getting on my nerves. I can't take it anymore. I can't take another problem. I can't deal with this anymore. I'm on pins and needles. (idiomatic) (on pins and needles = in anxious anticipation) I'm on tenterhooks. (tenterhooks = a type of sharp nail used for fastening fabric) I'm a bundle of nerves. I've got butterflies in my stomach. (idiomatic) = My stomach is feeling like it is flittering. I'm coming apart at the seams. I'm falling apart at the seams.

22. Ending a conversation abruptly

I'm going to have to run. Must run. (informal) I'm all out of time. I'll have to say good-bye now Look at the time. I really must go. It's been great talking to you, but I have to go. Wow! I'm late. Look, I'll call you. Sorry, but I have to leave now. Let's continue this another time. I really must go.

84. When someone is in debt

I'm in the red. (red = red ink = indebtedness) She's in over her head (in debt). (idiomatic) I'm up to my ears in debt. (idiomatic) Bill's writing rubber checks. [it rubber check = a bad check (that bounces back from the bank because there is no money to pay it)] I'm borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. (idiomatic) I'm robbing Peter to pay Paul. (idiomatic)

81. When you are in trouble

I'm in trouble. I'm in big trouble. I'm in deep trouble. I'm in deep. I'm in over my head. I'm in way over my head. I'm behind the eight ball. (idiomatic) = I'm in trouble with someone. My ass is in a sling. (mildly vulgar) (in a sling = injured = at risk) My ass is on the line. (mildly vulgar) (on the line = at risk) My neck is on the line. My job is on the line. My reputation is on the line. My reputation is at stake. (at stake = at risk)

63. Turning someone down

I'm not interested. I'm seeing someone else. I have other plans. I've got something going on. Something suddenly came up. I have to wash my hair. My calendar is full. You're not my type. Not if you were the last man on earth. (rude) You must be joking. (rude) I don't feel up to it. I have a headache. Please. (with a disgusted tone of voice)

17. After you have been introduced to someone

I've been wanting to meet you for some time. John has told me all about you. John has told me so much about you. I've heard so much about you. I've heard so much about you I feel I know you already. So we finally meet face to face. We've exchanged e-mails; it's nice to meet in person. I'm sorry, what was your name again? I didn't catch your name. I'm terrible at names.

49. Various conversational phrases

If I may (= If l may interrupt.; If I may add some information.) Pardon my French. (= Pardon my use of vulgar words.) No pun intended. (= I intended to make no joke or play on words.) If you know what I mean. (= I assume you understand what I mean.) Know what I mean? (informal) (= Do you understand what I am saying?) You know what I'm saying? (= Do you understand what I am saying?) You know? (= Do you understand what I am saying?) Right? (= Is that not so!) OK? (= Is that not so?)

66. Offering help to someone

If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. Let me know if there's anything I can do. I'm here if you need me. I'm here for you. If you need me, call. I'll always be there for you. I'll go to bat for you. (to go to bat for you = to support you) I'll take the rap. (slang) (the rap = the blame)

30. Expressing acceptance

It's fine. I think it's fine. It's good enough. Its satisfactory. It'll do. It'll serve the purpose. I like it. I love it. I think it's great. I like the color. I like the texture. I like the flavor. It's got a good rhythm. It's wonderful. It's fabulous. It's ideal. It's a masterpiece. It's A-l. This is second to none. This is perfect. This is far and away the best. This is the ultimate. It couldn't be better. Never been better. There's none better. It doesn't get any better than this. I've never seen anything like it. This is the cream of the crop. (cliché) This is the pick of the litter. (idiomatic) litter = a group of newborn pups This is the créme de la creme. (cliché) = This is the best of the best. This is head and shoulders above the re That suits me to a T. = That suits me fine. That's the ticket. (idiomatic) That's just what the doctor ordered. (idiomatic) That's just what I needed. That hits the spot. (idiomatic) That fits the bill. (idiomatic) That's it. That's the greatest thing since sliced bread. (cliché) It's in a league of its own. I give it four stars. It gets two thumbs up. (idiomatic) I've hit the jackpot. jackpot = sum of money to be won in gambling Bingo! (slang) = I did it! Jackpot! (slang) = I did it!; It is good! Bull's-eye! (slang) Bonus score! (slang)

77. Introducing a secret

Just between you and me... Just between you, me, and the lamppost... This is between you, me, and the bedpost. This is between you, me, and the four walls. I'm telling you this in confidence. I'm telling you this in strict confidence. I'm telling you this in strictest confidence. Can you keep a secret? Don't repeat this, but... Don't let this get around, but... Could you keep a secret? Confidentially...

13. Explaining that you have been busy

Keeping busy. Keeping myself busy. Been keeping myself busy. I'm swamped. (swamped = overwhelmed, as with a swamped boat) I'm snowed under. (snowed under = as if buried in snow) I don't have time to breathe. I don't have time to think. There aren't enough hours in the day. Not a moment to spare. I've been running around with my head cut off (informal) I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off (informal)

10. Telling how you have been doing—positive

Keeping busy. Keeping myself busy. Been keeping myself busy. Keeping out of trouble. Been keeping out of trouble. Been up to no good. (informal) Been keeping my nose clean. (informal)

52. Repeating what you have said

Let me repeat myself. Allow me to repeat myself. (formal) At the risk of repeating myself... As I've said... As I am fond of saying... To reiterate... To repeat... How many times do I have to tell you? If I've told you once. I've told you a thousand times. (cliché) If I've said it once, I've said it a million times. (cliché)

64. Bringing a conversation to an end

Let's call it a day. Let's call it a night. Let's call it quits. = Let's quit (and leave). Let's get out of here. Let's get going. We should be on our way. Let's bid our farewell. (formal) Let's say our good-byes. (formal)

70. Encouraging someone to stop stalling and do something

Let's see some action. (informal) It's now or never. Take no prisoners! (informal) Fish or cut bait! (idiomatic) Knock yourself out. (idiomatic) = Try really hard; Work us hard as you can. Go for broke. (informal) = Risk everything. I expect to see some results soon. Are you just going to stand there all day? Are you just going to sit there? Aren't you going to do anything? Are you just going to sit there like a bump on a log? (informal) (a bump on a log = a motionless object) You're letting the world pass you by.

43. Directing attention to an object

Look at this. Take a look at this. Focusing At Get a load of this. Take a gander at that. (informal) a gander = a look Feast your eyes on this. Look what we have here. Lookie here. (informal) Lookit. (slang) Look here. Can you eyeball this (for a minute)? (slang) to eyeball = to look at Can you believe your eyes? I don't believe my eyes. Do my eyes deceive me? That's a sight for sore eyes.

42. Getting someone to listen to you

Look here. (informal) Listen here. (informal) Listen up. (informal) Get a load of this. (informal) Now hear this! (informal) Hear me out. Are you ready for this? (informal) Listen. (informal) Are you listening to me? Are you paying attention? I'm talking to you. Do you hear me? Do I have your ear? (idiomatic) Can I bend your ear a minute? (idiomatic) Am I making myself heard?

47. Coming to the point of the matter

May I be frank? Let me be perfectly clear. Make no bones about it. (idiomatic) = Do not make any bones of contention about this. Read my lips. (informal) = Pay close attention to what I am saying. (To a make a) long story short. (cliché) Let's call a spade a spade. (cliché) Let me spell it out for you. Here's the bottom line. (the bottom line = the summation; the final and major point)

59. Expressions used to make friends at a bar or café

May I join you? Is this stool taken? Is this seat taken? Do you care if I join you? Care if I join you? Do you mind if I join you? Mind if I join you? Care to join us? Can I buy you a drink? Could I buy you a drink? Could I get you something to drink? What are you drinking? Do you know who does this song? (docs = sings) Would you like to play darts? Let's play pool. (pool = billiards)

90. Encouraging someone to relax

Mellow out. (slang) = Adopt a calm attitude. Chill out. (slang) Chill (slang) Keep cool. (slang) Cool it. (slang) Cool your jets. (slang) Cool off. (informal) Cool down. (informal) Slow down. Simmer down. Calm down. Calm yourself. Relax. Deal with it. (informal) Hold your horses. (cliché) Keep your shirt on. (informal) Keep your pants on. (informal) Take a deep breath. Take it easy. Take it slow. Take a tranquilizer! (informal) Take a pill! (informal)

94. A smoker's response to a nonsmoker's complaint

Mind your own business. Go to a nonsmoking area. I can't quit I tried quitting. I have no intention of quitting. Sorry.

33. Stating simple disagreement or refusal

No. Nope. No way. Not a chance. Not! (slang) Uh-uh. I don't think so.

38. Expressing refusal

No. Nope. (informal) No way. No way, José. (informal) No can do. (informal) No, sir. No sirree. (folksy) No sirree, Bob. (folksy) Nothing doing. You're out of luck. In a pig's eye. (idiomatic) When pigs fly. (idiomatic) When hell freezes over. (informal) There isn't a snowball's chance in hell. (informal) Not a chance. No chance. Not if I can help it. Not likely. Not bloody likely. (mildly vulgar) Absolutely not! It will be a cold day in hell before I do that. (informal) Only in your dreams. Save your breath. Save it. You're barking up the wrong tree. (idiomatic) Over my dead body. (idiomatic) If you think that, you've got another think coming. Not in a million years. Not for a million dollars. You couldn't pay me to do it. Not in your wildest dreams. You wish. I'll be damned first. (mildly vulgar) I'll be damned if I do. (mildly vulgar) Damned if I will. (mildly vulgar) Like hell. (mildly vulgar) I'll see you in hell first. (mildly vulgar)

12. Telling how you have been doing—negative

Not good. Not so good. Not too good. None too good. Not well. Not very well. Not so well. Not too well. None too well. Not so hot. Not too hot. None too hot. Not great. Not so great. None too great. Crummy. (slang) Kind of crummy. (slang) Lousy. (slang) I've seen better days. I've had better days. Could be better. I've been better. I've been under the weather

20. Signaling the end of a conversation

Oh, look at the time! It's getting later. Well, David, it's really good to see you, but I really must go. It's been fun talking to you. (It's been) nice chatting with you. It's so good to see you again. We have to make plans to get together some time. Let's do lunch sometime.

41. Getting someone's attention

Pardon me. (formal) Hey! (informal) Hey, you! (informal) Yo! (slang)

89. Encouraging someone not to be excited

Pull yourself together. Don't get excited. Don't get all excited. Don't get all worked up. Don't blow your stack. (slang) (to blow your stack = to lose your temper; to go crazy) Don't lose your cool. (slang) Don't blow your cool. (slang) Don't blow a gasket. (slang) Don't go into hysterics. Don't go into hysterics on me. Don't fly off the handle. Don't pop your cork. (slang) (to pop your cork = to go crazy) Don't work yourself into a tizzy. (informal) (a tizzy = a dizzy, confused state) Don't run around like a chicken with its head cut off. (informal) Restrain yourself. Would you restrain yourself? Get a grip (on yourself). (informal) Would you get a grip? (informal)

54. Agreeing with a speaker

So it seems. So it would seem. Or so it would appear. As it were. So to speak. In a manner of speaking.

53. When someone is being repetitious

So you said. Stop beating a dead horse. (beating a dead horse = continuing to argue a point that has been won) Stop harping on that subject. (harping on = dwelling on; talking about) You sound like a broken record. (idiomatic) (broken record = a grooved LP album with a scratch that makes the same track repeat endlessly) Must you belabor the point? All right, already. We get the point, already. We heard you, already.

69. Encouraging someone to try something

Take a shot at it. (informal) Take a stab at it. (informal) Take a crack at it. (informal) (a crack = a try) Have a crack at it. Take a whack at it. (informal) (a whack = a try) Come on. (informal) It won't hurt you to try it. Everybody's doing it. Everyone else is doing it. It's all the rage. (the rage = the current fad) Try your luck. See what you can do. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (cliché) Go on. Get going. Get going already. Get moving. No pain, no gain. (cliché) Get a move on. (informal) Get cracking. (slang) Get on the stick. (slang) Get the lead out. (slang) Get off your ass. (mildly vulgar)

76. Giving instructions to someone you've lent something to

Take care of it. Take good care of it. I'm trusting you to take good care of it. Keep an eye on it. Guard it with your life. Don't let it out of your sight. I want this back. I want it back in one piece. (in one piece = unbroken; unharmed) Bring it back in one piece.

73. Encouraging someone to be patient and take things slowly

Take things as they come. Take it as it comes. Take it one day at a time. Take things one day at a time. Take one day at a time. Time will tell. (cliché) = We will know more in time. Rome wasn't built in a day. (cliché) = Big projects require a lot of time. A watched pot never boils. (cliché) = Paying constant attention to something you are waiting for will make the wait seem endless. Good things come to him who waits. (cliché) One step at a time. One day at a time. Good things come to those who wait. (cliché) Patience is a virtue. (cliché) In good time. All in good time. Everything in its time. There's a time for everything. It will work out in the end. Everything will come together. Everything will fall together. Everything will fall into place. In the long run, everything will be OK. (informal) In the long haul, it will all work out. Everything will work itself out. I am confident it will all It ain't over till it's over. (informal) It ain't over till the fat lady sings. (cliché) = The opera is not over until the overweight opera singer has clone her solo. = The event will not conclude until everything that was planned to happen has happened.

71. Expressing dissatisfaction with someone's efforts

That won't do. That won't do it. That doesn't cut it. (idiomatic) (to cut it = to do what is needed) That doesn't cut the mustard. (idiomatic) (to cut the mustard = to measure up to expectations) That doesn't make the grade. (to make the grade = to qualify) Is that it? It's not up to snuff. Is that all? You call that finished? Once more with feeling. (cliché)

61. Approaching the opposite sex

That's a pretty outfit. (male to female) That's a pretty dress. (male to female) What's shaking? (slang) (shaking = happening) Don't I know you from somewhere? Didn't we go to high school together? Haven't I seen you here before? Do you come here often? What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this? (male to female, cliché) Do you have a smoke? (a smoke = a cigarette) Do you have a light? (a light = a match or cigar) Do you have a cigarette? Do you have change for the cigarette machine?) Would you like to go somewhere quieter? Are you going my way? Going my way? (cliché) Could I give you a lift? (a lift = a ride) Need a lift? Where have you been keeping yourself? Where have you been all my life? (cliché)

51. Noting digressions in a conversation

That's beside the point. That's beside the question. That's not the issue. That's irrelevant. That has nothing to do with it. That has nothing to do with what I'm talking about. That's another story. That's a whole 'nother story. (folksy) That's a different ball of wax. (idiomatic) (ball of wax = thing; matter) That's a different kettle of fish. (idiomatic) (kettle of fish = thing; matter) That's another can of worms. (idiomatic) (can of worms = set of problems) That's a horse of a different color. (idiomatic) (a horse of a different color = a different kind of problem altogether) You're off on a tangent. You're getting off the subject. As you were saying... Getting back to the point... But I digress. (formal)

34. Stating categorical disagreement

That's not right. You've got that wrong. You've got it all wrong. Wrong! You missed the boat. (idiomatic) You're missing the boat. (idiomatic) Wrong on both counts. You're wrong. You're dead wrong. You're off. You're way off base.

36. Stating your disagreement with a proposition

That's out of the question. That's unthinkable. That's insane. That doesn't even merit a response. I'll give that all the consideration it's due.

93. What to say to a smoker

This is a nonsmoking area. This is a nonsmoking building. You'll have to step outside. Please observe the no-smoking signs. (formal) Can you put that out? Please put that out. I'm sorry, you'll have to put that out. I'm sorry, the smoke is bothering me. Have you ever thought of quitting? It's your funeral. (informal) You smoke like a chimney. (informal)

29. Stating your concurrence

This is true. That's true. You're right. Ain't that the truth? Ain't it the truth? That's right. That's for certain. That's for sure. That's for darn sure. That's for damn sure. (mildly vulgar) Damn straight! (mildly vulgar) It works for me. Well said. I agree. I agree with you 100 percent. I couldn't agree with you more. I have no problem with that. We see eye to eye on this. I couldn't have said it better. You took the words right out of my mouth. I'll drink to that!

72. Asking someone to wait

Wait. Wait a moment. Wait a minute. Wait a sec(ond). Wait one moment. Wait one minute. Wait one sec(ond). Wait it out. Wait your turn. Just a moment. Just a minute. Just a sec(ond). Just one moment. Just one minute. Just one sec(ond). Hold your horses. (idiomatic) = Wait a bit. Keep your pants on. (informal) = Wait a bit. Keep your shirt on. (informal) = Wait a bit.

7. After you have greeted someone

We seem to keep running into each other. Haven't we met before? We have to stop meeting like this. (cliché) Didn't we meet at that party last week? I'm sorry; I've forgotten your name. I've been meaning to call you.

58. Commenting on personal similarities

We're two of a kind. They're two of a kind. We're cut from the same cloth. We're made from the same mold. We're birds of a feather. (cliché) We're like two peas in a pod.

56. Expressing friendship

We're very close. We're the closest of friends. We're the best of friends. We're best friends. We're pretty tight. They're bosom buddies. She's my best friend. She's my closest friend. She's a dear friend. She's like a sister to me. He's like the brother I never had. We're like brothers.

5. Welcoming someone who has returned

Welcome back! Welcome back, stranger! Long time no see! (cliché) Where were you? Where have you been? Where did you go?

6. Expressing surprise at meeting someone

What a surprise to meet you here! Imagine meeting you here! (cliché) Fancy' meeting you here. (cliché) Never thought I'd see you here! What are you doing in this neck of the woods? (neck of the woods = part of town, location) What are you doing in this part of town? What are you doing out of the office?

39. Stating that someone is wrong

What are you talking about? You don't know what you're talking about. You don't have a leg to stand on. You haven't got a leg to stand on. You don't know the first thing about it. You're really stretching the truth. You're way off base. You can lay chat notion to rest.

48. Requesting that the speaker get to the point

What's your point? What's the point? What's the upshot? the upshot = the result What's the bottom line? the bottom line = the summation; the final and major point What are you trying to say? What are you trying to tell me? Get to the point. Get to the heart of the matter. Cut to the chase. (idiomatic) = Switch to the focal point of something.

80. Forgetfulness

Where was I? = What was I saying? What was I saying? What were we talking about? I don't remember. I have a mind like a sieve. (a sieve = a strainer or colander) I'm a little absentminded. (absentminded =forgetful) I'd lose my head if it weren't attached. (informal) I've lost my train of thought. (train of thought = sequence of thoughts) It's at the tip of my tongue. = It is about ready to be said. It's on the tip of my tongue. It's slipped my mind. The thought escapes me. It's left my head. What was your name again? What did you just say? It went in one ear and out the other. (cliché) Are we supposed to be someplace right now?

28. Simple agreement

Yes. Yeah. (informal) Yep. (informal) Yup. (informal) Right. You're right. Right you are. Right on! Right-o. Uh-huh. Sure. Sure thing. You got it. You bet. Absolutely. By all means.

75. Giving advice to someone whose life is too busy

You can't please everybody. (cliché) You can't be all things to all people. (cliché) You've got your fingers in too many pies. (idiomatic) You've got your irons in too many fires. (idiomatic) You're burning the candle at both ends. (cliché) You're taking too many things on. You're taking on too much. You're doing too much. You're trying to do too much. You're overcommitted. You're overdoing it. You're carrying the world on your shoulders. You need to set your priorities.

46. Inviting someone to talk

You got a minute Got a minute? I need to talk. Can we talk? Can I talk to you? May I have a word with you? (formal) Let's chew the fat. (slang) Let's shoot the breeze. (slang)

92. When someone is cold and unfeeling—informal

You're as cold as ice. You're a cold fish. You're cold-blooded. You've got a heart of stone. You've got no heart. You're heartless. You're thick-skinned. Have you no qualms? Have you no scruples? Have you no conscience? Have you no thought for anyone but yourself? Think before you speak. Think before you act. Try putting yourself in my shoes. (Think what it it like to be in my situation.)

96. Criticism of someone with whom you disagree

You're clueless. (informal) You're without a clue. (informal) You wouldn't know the truth if it jumped up and bit you on the nose. (jocular) She doesn't know nothing. (informal) You don't know beans. (informal) You don't know up from down. (informal) You don't know which end is up. (informal) You don't know your ass from your elbow. (vulgar) You don't know your ass from a hole in the ground. (vulgar) You don't know quality from a hole in the ground. (informal) (quality = art, value, truth, engines, etc.) Don't you know anything? How can you be so stupid? (injormal) Get your head out of the sand. (idiomatic) That ain't the way I heard it. (folksy) That's not what I heard. Let me set you straight.

97. Calling someone crazy

You're off your rocker. (informal) You're out of your mind. (informal) He's two bricks shy of a load. (slang) You're out of your tree. (slang) You're out of your head. (informal) She's out of her skull. (informal) You've lost your marbles. (informal) You're crazy. ( informal ) You're nuts. (informal) They can't be serious. You're a few cards shy of a full deck. (idiomatic) You're a few cards short of a deck. (idiomatic) You aren't playing with a full deck. (idiomatic) You're one sandwich short of a picnic. (idiomatic) Your front porch light is out. You've gone over the edge. You've gone off the deep end. You're nutty as a fruitcake. (cliché)

40. Arguing about the facts

You've got it all wrong. You've got the facts wrong. You've got your facts wrong. You haven't got the facts. You haven't got the facts right. I don't think you've got your facts straight. Don't speak until you've got your facts straight. Next time get the facts straight. (informal) Next time get the facts first. (informal) Don't jump to conclusions.

82. When someone is in trouble

Your goose is cooked. (idiomatic) (= You are in trouble) You've really screwed up (informal) You've done it now. Now you've done it. You've really done it this time. You're in for it. You're gonna get it. (informal) How could you do something so stupid? What kind of mess did you get yourself into? That's another fine mess you've gotten us into. (informal) How are you going to dig yourself out of this one? How are you going to get out of this one? You've made your bed; now lie in it. (= You hare created this situation, so you must endure it.) You're up the creek without a paddle. (informal) You're up a creek. (informal) You're up the creek. (informal)