* as it were / if you will / in a fashion / in a manner of speaking
"nothing to scream and shout about"
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FIXED EXPRESSIONS
http://www.ihbristol.com/useful-english-expressions
Useful English expressionsA fixed expression is a standard form of expression that has taken on a more specific meaning than the expression itself. It is different from a proverb in that it is used as a part of a sentence, and is the standard way of expressing a concept or idea.
Someone should tell Martin not to come in today as the meeting's cancelled.
Leave it to me. I was going to phone him anyway
all of a sudden ● come / spring to mind ● fall in line ● I can assure you ● so to speak ● surf the web
Useful English expressionsA fixed expression is a standard form of expression that has taken on a more specific meaning than the expression itself. It is different from a proverb in that it is used as a part of a sentence, and is the standard way of expressing a concept or idea.
Someone should tell Martin not to come in today as the meeting's cancelled.
Leave it to me. I was going to phone him anyway
all of a sudden ● come / spring to mind ● fall in line ● I can assure you ● so to speak ● surf the web
- Siamese twins: or irreversible binomials like wear and tear, and rock and roll
by and large
- trinomials (3-word fixed expressions): e.g. lights, camera, action
hook, line, and sinker (completely, totally, without reservation)
The public isn't swallowing the administration's policies hook, line, and sinker.
They made up such a good story that we fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
They believed every word hook, line, and sinker.
He swallowed the excuse hook, line, and sinker.
He swallowed the excuse hook, line, and sinker.
Usage notes: often used in the forms fall for something hook, line, and sinker or swallow something hook, line, and sinker (to be tricked into believing something without any doubts)
Etymology: based on the idea of a fish so hungry it swallows the hook (the part that catches the fish), the line ( the string) and the sinker (a weight attached to the line to keep it under wáter)
1. Interjections
Good work, nice going, congratulations / congrats / way to go / good for you ...
I'll say, you can say that again, you said it ...
good for you (well done): You have lost 10 pounds already? Good for you!
good for you (adj): (healthful): Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for you.
I'll say (spoken): Absolutely, I strongly agree. For example, Did you enjoy the film?-I'll say. (This phrase is generally used alone and for emphasis). Etymology: based on the full form I will say the same thing
nice going (good going, good job, nice job)
1. Inf. That was done well. John: Well, I'm glad that's over. Sally: Nice going, John! You did a good job. Tom: Nice job, Bill! Bill: Thanks, Tom!
2. Fig. That was done poorly. (Sarcastic.) Fred: I guess I really messed it up. Bill: Nice job, Fred! You've now messed us all up! Fred: Well, I'm sorry. "Nice going," frowned Jane, as Tom upset the bowl of potato chips. * Nice going Jane!, look what you did.Honestly, do you have any idea how much this is going to /gonna cost (me)?
no way! (1.refusal, 2.disbelieve)
(there's) no way we can get there on time (no possible manner)
point taken (see/get/take the point; understood)
so far, so good (touch Wood) (all is well up to this point): As a school report might say, all in all, so far so good. * So far so good – but then comes the poison arrow. * In conclusion, I would say so far so good; in fact, better than we had hoped for.
that's it! (1.That's correct, 2.I've had enough)
that's life (this is the way things are): Use to show that you have to accept things as they are. I had to leave, which was a shame, but such is life. * (I know it isn't fair but) that's just how it goes sometimes. (expressing philo-sophical acceptance)
that's just it (that is precisely the issue)
well done The reward of a thing well done is having done it; rightly or properly performed
well done (intej) You got an A on the test? Well done!. Congratulations on a job well done!
well-done: 1. rightly performed, 2. cooked thoroughly: a well–done steak
you can say that again (I'll say) I totally agree with what you said, as in: What a relief that Brian didn't get hurt.-You can say that again!
you said it. This is a huge house.-You said it.
2. Expressions and locutions
and all that goes with it. (and everything it entails).
and I mean it: I always say, and I mean it, that the great break of my literary career was when I went to law school.
by all /no means certainly; yes; absolutely, sure, of course Indeed, surely,
By alI means you should do it. I will attempt to get there by all means. Bob: Can you come to dinner tomorrow? Jane: By
all means. I'd love to. by no means (not at all, not in any means)
(I) can't say for sure. Inf. I do not know with any certainty. Tom: When will the next train come through? Jane: I can't say for sure; Bob: How can the driver hit so many potholes? Bill: Can't say for sure. I know he doesn't see too well, though.
can't say (that) I do: Fig. a vague response to a question about whether one remembers, knows about, likes, etc., something or someone: Jane: You remember Fred, don't you? John: Can't say (that) I do. Bob: This is a fine looking car. Do you like it? Bill: I can't say I do.
can't say (that) I have. (A polite way of saying no.) Bill: Have you ever been to a real opera? Bob: I can't say (as) I have. Mary: Well, have you thought about going with me to Fairbanks? Fred: I can't say I have, actually.
don't get me wrong (you should clearly understand what I mean)
I know (just) what you mean: I know exactly what you are talking about, and I feel the same way about it. John: These final exams are just terrible. Bob: I know just what you mean. John: Why do we have to go through this? Mary: What a pain! I hate annual inventories. John: I know what you mean. It's really boring.
I really mean it! (I really think so)
If I could I would, but I don't know how. * I know I can't take back time, but if I could I would, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart / and I mean all of it / and I mean that. * Sheldon: If I could, I would, but I can't, so I shan't / so I won't / so I don't .
let me get this straight (to understand something clearly); Now get this straight. You're going to fail history.
take it that (understand or believe that: [sth] is the case). * (From you, I take that as a (great) compliment / insult / very seriously / real personally) 2. what's your take on this/the issue? (view). 3. I take it that you agree with me. (If I'm not mistaken ...). * So looking back, I take that you feel that it was a worthwhile endeavor. * I take that you are quite experienced in such matters, no?
Just for the record, I didn't vote for him (Let's get things straight; let me make myself clear)This usage employs record in the sense of "public knowledge".
just like that (suddenly)
just right (perfectly): Perfect, in every detail * Some people are just right for you. * Don't wait. The time will never be just right.
so far it's working out all right
1. Interjections
Good work, nice going, congratulations / congrats / way to go / good for you ...
I'll say, you can say that again, you said it ...
good for you (well done): You have lost 10 pounds already? Good for you!
good for you (adj): (healthful): Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is good for you.
I'll say (spoken): Absolutely, I strongly agree. For example, Did you enjoy the film?-I'll say. (This phrase is generally used alone and for emphasis). Etymology: based on the full form I will say the same thing
nice going (good going, good job, nice job)
1. Inf. That was done well. John: Well, I'm glad that's over. Sally: Nice going, John! You did a good job. Tom: Nice job, Bill! Bill: Thanks, Tom!
2. Fig. That was done poorly. (Sarcastic.) Fred: I guess I really messed it up. Bill: Nice job, Fred! You've now messed us all up! Fred: Well, I'm sorry. "Nice going," frowned Jane, as Tom upset the bowl of potato chips. * Nice going Jane!, look what you did.Honestly, do you have any idea how much this is going to /gonna cost (me)?
no way! (1.refusal, 2.disbelieve)
(there's) no way we can get there on time (no possible manner)
point taken (see/get/take the point; understood)
so far, so good (touch Wood) (all is well up to this point): As a school report might say, all in all, so far so good. * So far so good – but then comes the poison arrow. * In conclusion, I would say so far so good; in fact, better than we had hoped for.
that's it! (1.That's correct, 2.I've had enough)
that's life (this is the way things are): Use to show that you have to accept things as they are. I had to leave, which was a shame, but such is life. * (I know it isn't fair but) that's just how it goes sometimes. (expressing philo-sophical acceptance)
that's just it (that is precisely the issue)
well done The reward of a thing well done is having done it; rightly or properly performed
well done (intej) You got an A on the test? Well done!. Congratulations on a job well done!
well-done: 1. rightly performed, 2. cooked thoroughly: a well–done steak
you can say that again (I'll say) I totally agree with what you said, as in: What a relief that Brian didn't get hurt.-You can say that again!
you said it. This is a huge house.-You said it.
2. Expressions and locutions
and all that goes with it. (and everything it entails).
and I mean it: I always say, and I mean it, that the great break of my literary career was when I went to law school.
by all /no means certainly; yes; absolutely, sure, of course Indeed, surely,
By alI means you should do it. I will attempt to get there by all means. Bob: Can you come to dinner tomorrow? Jane: By
all means. I'd love to. by no means (not at all, not in any means)
(I) can't say for sure. Inf. I do not know with any certainty. Tom: When will the next train come through? Jane: I can't say for sure; Bob: How can the driver hit so many potholes? Bill: Can't say for sure. I know he doesn't see too well, though.
can't say (that) I do: Fig. a vague response to a question about whether one remembers, knows about, likes, etc., something or someone: Jane: You remember Fred, don't you? John: Can't say (that) I do. Bob: This is a fine looking car. Do you like it? Bill: I can't say I do.
can't say (that) I have. (A polite way of saying no.) Bill: Have you ever been to a real opera? Bob: I can't say (as) I have. Mary: Well, have you thought about going with me to Fairbanks? Fred: I can't say I have, actually.
don't get me wrong (you should clearly understand what I mean)
I know (just) what you mean: I know exactly what you are talking about, and I feel the same way about it. John: These final exams are just terrible. Bob: I know just what you mean. John: Why do we have to go through this? Mary: What a pain! I hate annual inventories. John: I know what you mean. It's really boring.
I really mean it! (I really think so)
I say. 1. Used preceding an utterance to call attention to it: I say, do you have the time? 2. Used as an exclamation of surprise, delight, or dismay.
(The fact that) ... in no way (excuses your behavior). (not at all). * (... which in no way means (that ...) * Being anti-Israel in no way means you are anti-Jewish. In fact, Israeli interests and Jewish interests are often in total contradiction with one another / each other.If I could I would, but I don't know how. * I know I can't take back time, but if I could I would, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart / and I mean all of it / and I mean that. * Sheldon: If I could, I would, but I can't, so I shan't / so I won't / so I don't .
let me get this straight (to understand something clearly); Now get this straight. You're going to fail history.
take it that (understand or believe that: [sth] is the case). * (From you, I take that as a (great) compliment / insult / very seriously / real personally) 2. what's your take on this/the issue? (view). 3. I take it that you agree with me. (If I'm not mistaken ...). * So looking back, I take that you feel that it was a worthwhile endeavor. * I take that you are quite experienced in such matters, no?
Just for the record, I didn't vote for him (Let's get things straight; let me make myself clear)This usage employs record in the sense of "public knowledge".
just like that (suddenly)
just right (perfectly): Perfect, in every detail * Some people are just right for you. * Don't wait. The time will never be just right.
mark my word(s). Fig. remember what I'm telling you. Mark my word, you'll regret this. This whole project will fail—mark my words.
say again: Could you please repeat what you just said? Sorry, Mike, say again? I'm getting bad reception here.
the bottom line (crucial fact, the most important fact in a situation . 2.the total amount of money that a business makes or loses ): The bottom line is you cannot be late for work anymore. * The bottom line is that you really don’t care. * The company’s bottom line is in bad shape. * Money Is Not Everything and that's the Bottom Line
If I'm not mistaken (unless I'm mistaken) I think he wanted to marry her, if I am not mistaken..., Unless I'm mistaken, he didn't specify what time.
You just say that! (you don't really think that's true)
you're just saying that!. slang. can be said either jokingly or seriously, (often followed by "I really mean it!". a) girl 1: OMG you look so fabulous in that dress!, girl 2: aww, honey I know you're just saying that!, girl 1: no babe, I really mean it!
You may find it useful to compile a list of all the the most frequently asked questions * I find it scandalous that ...
2. Questions
(Do you) get my drift? interrog. Do you understand me? Get my drift? Should I explain it again?
Do you really mean that ? (Are you really serious about that?). The idea is "do the words you just said reflect your true feelings?"
3. Discourse markers.
I dare say: I am quite certain Oh, I dare say Caroline and I will find some way to fill the time while you go off shopping.
If I'm not mistaken (unless I'm mistaken) I think he wanted to marry her, if I am not mistaken..., Unless I'm mistaken, he didn't specify what time.
4. Sentence openers
(I) just want(ed) to say something.and (I) just want(ed) to mention something.; (I) just want(ed) to tell you something.
just want to say:a sentence opener that eases into a statement or question. (Can be followed by words like say, ask, tell you, be, and come.) Rachel: I just wanted to say that we all loved your letter. Thank you so much. Andrew: Thanks. Glad you liked it. Rachel: I just wanted to tell you how sorry l am about your sister. Alice: Thanks. I appreciate it. Andrew: Just wanted to come by for a minute and say hello. Tom: Well, hello. Glad you dropped by.
The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.
5. Get expressions
Get with infinitives and –ing forms
Get can be followed by –ing forms and infinitives. There is usually a difference of meaning.
Get + -ing form is sometimes used to mean ‘start doing something’. Common expressions are: get going and get moving.
Get + -ing form is sometimes used to mean ‘start doing something’. Common expressions are: get going and get moving.
- Let’s get going.
- Don’t get her talking about her problems.
- When do I get to see you again? (= When will I have an opportunity to see you again?)
- I didn’t get to see him. (= I didn’t manage to see him.)
- Although we lived in the same apartment for several years, I never really got to know him.
- He is getting to be a naughty boy.
- You will get to drive more confidently as time goes by.
- You will get to speak fluent English as time goes by.
- I couldn’t get him to sign that paper.
- I couldn’t get the car to start.
- I couldn’t get the baby to drink the milk.
- I can’t get that child to go to bed.
get cracking To begin to work; get started
get going To make a beginning; get started. 1. to start moving. Let's get going! We can't stand here all day. 2. to depart. What time should we get going in the morning?
get going/cracking/rolling 1. get a move on; to hurry: Simon realized he'd have to get a move on if he was going to finish by 4 o'clock; sometimes used as an order: Get a move on, Corey – you don't want to be late!. 2. 2. get something going. Start something, get something into full swing. For example, Once we get production going we'll have no more problems. This usage also appears in when the going gets tough, the tough get going, meaning that difficulties spur on capable individuals; the first tough here means "difficult," whereas the second means "strong-minded, resolute." For example, That problem won't stop Tom; when the going gets tough, the tough get going. also: swing into action.
get (something) right: To do, understand, or answer something accurately and/or correctly. I sure didn't get ace the exam, but I think I got quite a few right. You'll save yourself a bunch of work if you just get it right the first time.
get someone going. to get someone excited; to get someone talking excitedly. I guess I really got him going on the subject of politics. The whole business really makes me mad. Don't get me going.
get (you) going/started: to cause you to become excited or interested: My Dad was the one who really got me going on baseball.
get nowhere. Inf To make no progress: There are plenty of smart people who get nowhere; Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere; If you don't know where you are going, every road will get you nowhere; Unless you can fake sincerity, you'll get nowhere in this business.
get on with. To continue or resume doing (something); carry on, stick to, pursue, keep up, persist in, persevere with, keep on with: Get on with what you're doing. make progress regarding: We must get on with the Project.
get real Be realistic, understand what's going on, as in: You think you'll win the lottery if you buy one ticket a week? Get real!; to accept the truth and not deceive yourself: Voters want Congress to get real and pass a bill to revive the economy; also used as an order: You expect me to ignore data like that? Get real!
get around to. To find the time or occasion for; deal with: We finally got around to unpacking our knickknacks.
Get serious! Inf. Get realistic!; Stop horsing around!: Oh, come on! Get serious! You don't really mean that!
get there Inf. To make progress or achieve success: I'm not finished, but I'm getting there.
get to. 1. To begin. Used with the present participle: For some reason, I got to reminiscing about my childhood and it was painful. (to recall or talk about past experiences, events, etc) 2. To start to deal with: (I) didn't get to the housework until Sunday. 3. To influence or affect, especially adversely: The noise really gets to me.
I got to thinking that maybe you had an aversion to hurting people; And then I got to thinking that that $3,000 would come in handy for my medical bills; I got to thinking, that stuff I said about symmetry and... your face and whatnot. (y lo demás); Well, I got to thinking about that the other day, and that was, by far, the greatest all-time memory of my life; I got to thinking about all that stuff Arthur Swenson was talking about
I got to thinking that maybe you had an aversion to hurting people; And then I got to thinking that that $3,000 would come in handy for my medical bills; I got to thinking, that stuff I said about symmetry and... your face and whatnot. (y lo demás); Well, I got to thinking about that the other day, and that was, by far, the greatest all-time memory of my life; I got to thinking about all that stuff Arthur Swenson was talking about
so far it's working out all right
6 Phrasal verbs (GET)
Get across. 1. To make understandable or clear: (I) tried to get my point across. 2. To be convincing or understandable: How can I get across to the students?
get ahead. To improve one's situation; be successful.
get at. 1. To discover or understand: (I) tried to get at the cause of the problem. 2. To try to make understandable; hint at or suggest: I don't know what you're getting at.
get by. 1. To succeed at a level of minimal acceptability or with the minimal amount of effort, just pass: (I) just got by in college. 2. To succeed in managing; survive: We'll get by if we economize.
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