Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (3 page)

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.