| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| what’s yer poison | Eye dialect of what’s your poison |
| time will tell | (Idiomatic) Events and outcomes cannot be known beforehand. |
| I’m good | (informal) No: used when asked whether one wants or needs something, etc. |
| nice to meet you | A polite expression used when the speaker is first introduced to someone. |
| spring forward, fall back | A mnemonic to advise how clocks are altered for Daylight Saving Time: time goes forward in the Spring, and back in Fall |
| what’s your job | Inquires about the subject’s current occupation. |
| once or twice | (Idiomatic) A small, indefinite number of times. |
| AINEC | (Internet slang) Initialism of and it’s not even close |
| you could have fooled me | What you now tell me is true I thought was false, or I nonetheless think is false; I don’t believe you. |
| Appendix:Snowclones/I’m here to X A and Y B, and I’m all out of A | (snowclone) Said before doing something (X A or Y B), usually with a determined, resolute tone. |
| what’s your name | Alternative form of what is your name |
| why not Zoidberg | (internet slang rhetorical sarcastic) Call of attention to something that is ridiculous. |
| time you got a watch | (humorous) A phrase used to reply to the question what time is it?. |
| AOB | Any other business. |
| I’m Hindu | indicates that the speaker is a follower of Hinduism |
| fair play | (colloquial UK Irish) used to acknowledge or congratulate for something. |
| CU | (philately) in stamp descriptions, commercially used. |
| what’s your phone number | Asks the interlocutor to give his or her phone number for subsequent communication. |
| after the jump | Used to introduce an inline advertisement in a webpage etc. |
| cease fire | (military) Stop engaging in hostile acts, particularly those involving firearms. A command that troops end the existing status of engaging in hostile action. |
| as ever | (Idiomatic) consistent with past behaviour, as expected |
| I’m hot | Indicates that the speaker is hot (i.e. feeling the sensation of heat, especially to the point of discomfort) |
| best of | The attainment of a majority of wins in (an odd-numbered series of games). |
| get well soon | Expressing hope that the listener will soon recover from illness. |
| what’s your poison | (informal) Used to ask someone what alcoholic beverage they would like to drink. |
| when is closing time | when is closing time? |
| yes and amen | An emphatic agreement. |
| you don’t dip your pen in the company inkwell | Alternative form of you don’t dip your pen in company ink |
| I’m hungry | I’m hungry. |
| short of | Except; without resorting to; up to the point of. |
| bbiab | (Internet slang) Be back in a bit. |
| what’s yours | (informal) What do you want to drink? |
| duces tecum | (legal) Bring with you. |
| after you | A gesture, usually polite, urging another person to take a turn at something ahead of the speaker. |
| yes and no | &lit yes and no |
| I’m in love with you | A declaration of passion or romantic feeling. |
| after you, Alphonse | An exchange indicating excessive formality or effort at politeness, particularly where two people each refuse to go forward because each insists on allowing the other to go forward first. |
| the pants off | (Idiomatic) An intensifier used with some transitive action verbs to indicate that the action is performed with thoroughness, vigor, or complete success. |
| I’m Jewish | Indicates that the speaker is of Jewish ethnic descent. |
| few sandwiches short of a picnic | (Idiomatic) Exhibiting disquiet or unsoundness of mind; not sane; mad. |
| shut the front door | (euphemistic vulgar minced oath) shut the fuck up (usually expressing disbelief) |
| bbiafm | (text messaging Internet) Initialism of be back in a few minutes |
| does a bear shit in the woods | (colloquial rhetorical question mildly vulgar) A rhetorical question in response to a question whose answer is an emphatic yes. |
| the party is over | An irresponsible or carefree period has ended; it is time to be serious or take responsibility. |
| tomayto tomahto | Alternative spelling of tomayto, tomahto |
| I’m looking for a grocery store | Indicates that the speaker is looking for a grocery store. |
| BBL | Abbreviation of be back later |
| does anyone here speak English | Does anyone here speak English? |
| heads I win, tails you lose | Said to describe a conflict in which someone has a particular advantage from the start. |
| tomayto, tomahto | (Idiomatic) Used to dismiss a correction to one’s adherence to an alternative standard |
| I’m looking for a job | Indicates that the speaker is looking for a job. |
| beneficium ordinis seu excussionis | (legal) See beneficium excussionis. |
| stick a fork in something | (idiomatic informal) Used to indicate that something or someone is finished, or, in a broader sense, defeated or ruined. |
| does Dolly Parton sleep on her back | (colloquial rhetorical question) Synonym of is the Pope Catholic |
| the penny drops | Understanding is reached; one comprehends. |
| TIAS | (internet text messaging) Initialism of try it and see |
| perstat | (medical) (The condition under discussion) persists. |
| I’m lost | Indicates that the speaker is unable to find his or her way. |
| shut up and take my money | (informal) Said about something that the speaker wants to buy immediately. |
| TANSTAAFL | (Idiomatic) There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch; something advertised as being “free” will invariably have hidden costs. |
| mind you | (idiomatic colloquial chiefly UK) Used to introduce a qualification or contrastive statement |
| I’m married | Indicates that the speaker has a spouse. |
| isn’t it so | Isn’t it true? |
| bbl | (Internet) Alternative form of BBL Initialism of be back later |
| wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am | Alternative form of wham, bam, thank you ma’am |
| does not compute | (humorous) That does not make sense. |
| hold your fire | Do not discharge your weapon. Used originally for weapons needing a spark or lighting of a fuse to ignite gunpowder; now sometimes used to mean any weapon launching a projectile. |
| pardon me | (Idiomatic) Sorry; said as an apology |
| mind your own beeswax | See mind your own business. |
| I’m mute | I’m mute |
| SRO | (initialism) standing room only |
| does someone look like | (rhetorical question) Used if the interlocutor seems to believe something inaccurate about (someone); this question serves to free someone of a misconception. |
| YOLO | (slang) you only live once, i.e. expressing the view that one should make the most of the present moment. |
| I’m not being funny | (UK idiom) Used as a softening preface to a statement that might be taken as offensive or malicious. |
| leave me alone | stop talking to me, stop being near me, stop interfering with my life |
| going once, going twice, sold | Said before closing the bidding for a particular item in an auction. |
| does the Pope shit in the woods | (idiomatic jocular vulgar) Rhetorical question in response to a question where the answer is an emphatic yes. |
| yolo | Alternative form of YOLO |
| you get that | (informal) That’s a normal occurrence; that’s typical. |
| TIMTOWTDI | Alternative form of TMTOWTDI |
| I’m not interested | I’m not interested. |
| dafuq | (vulgar internet slang) The fuck. |
| talk about | &oth talk about |
| here be dragons | A fanciful notation, commonly attributed to historical maps, held to indicate either the belief that unknown dangers exist in a certain location on the map, or that actual dragons can be found there. |
| always a bridesmaid, never a bride | Said of a person who has potential that is never fulfilled. |
| the plot thickens | (idiomatic often _ humorous) Used to describe an increasingly complex or mysterious situation. |
| TINSTAAFL | (Idiomatic) There is no such thing as a free lunch; an alternative to TANSTAAFL |
| close, but no cigar | (Idiomatic) That’s almost correct, but not quite |
| I’m not religious | Indicates that the speaker is a not a follower of religious doctrine. |
| ultra vires | (legal) beyond the legal power or authority of a person or body |
| ne bis in idem | (legal) The concept that no legal action can be instituted twice for the same cause. |
| bound to | (only _ with a bare infinitive) Indicates something which cannot be avoided. |
| always the bridesmaid, never the bride | Alternative form of always a bridesmaid, never a bride |
| the plural of anecdote is not data | anecdotal evidence is not adequate to prove something |
| I’m pregnant | Indicates that the speaker is pregnant. |
| comedy equals tragedy plus time | A tragic subject can be made into a comedy, given the passage of enough time. |
| get you | (UK) An expression of encouragement, commonly used sarcastically. |
| heads will roll | (Idiomatic) some people will be fired for incompetence |
| all to the better | Even better. |
| I’m rubber, you’re glue | The first line of a children’s rhyme countering an attack of character. |
| going to | Forms a future tense. |
| when push comes to shove | (Idiomatic) When the pressure is on; when the situation is critical or urgent; when the time has come for action, even if it is difficult. |
| tant pis | so much the worse |
| you had to be there | Used to indicate to the interlocutor that the situation being talked about could only be properly understood if that person had been present. |
| I’m scared | Indicates that the speaker is scared. |
| you have beautiful eyes | Used by the speaker to compliment the interlocutor’s eyes. |
| enjoy your meal | Used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat. |
| I’m sick | Indicates that the speaker has an illness. |
| doesn’t have both oars in the water | (euphemistic) (of a person) crazy |
| you have the advantage of me | (polite dated) You know my name, but I do not know yours; what is it, please?; you know me but I do not know you |
| here lies | (epitaph) Written on gravestones followed by the buried person’s name. |
| check is in the mail | (idiomatic often ironic) A common excuse used by debtors to put off creditors |
| I’m single | Indicates that the speaker does not have a spouse or romantic partner. |
| BBS | (Internet slang) Initialism of be back soon |
| stick ’em up | Put your hands in the air (to surrender)! |
| when the chips are down | (Idiomatic) When the pressure is on; when the situation is urgent or critical |
| YKINMK | (internet) Initialism of your kink is not my kink: an acknowledgement that people have different sexual preferences |
| you just had to | Used to scold someone. |
| that’ll be the day | (Idiomatic) Said in reply to something that one believes will never happen. |
| I’m sorry | Indicates that the speaker is sorry |
| very good | A polite acknowledgement of orders or statements. |
| lather, rinse, repeat | (informal often _ humorous) Indicating that an action or process was repeated, or needs to be repeated. |
| you kiss your mother with that mouth | (rhetorical question informal sarcastic) Used to indicate that the other person’s speech has become too obscene or vulgar. |
| that’ll do | used to acknowledge something as being sufficient |
| the rabbit died | (idiomatic euphemistic) Indicates one’s own pregnancy, or that someone has found out they are pregnant. |
| I’m straight | Indicates that the speaker is a heterosexual. |
| in order for | To indicate a possible consequence of an event or action. |
| when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro | In times of change or upheaval, anyone can make a legitimate business from their own personal vision, however different it may be. |
| explicit | (obsolete) Used at the conclusion of a book to indicate the end. |
| I’m thirsty | (usually) I need some water, or want something to drink. |
| IMHO | (Internet) Initialism of in my humble opinion |
| NFBSK | (internet slang rare) Initialism of not for British schoolkids: general euphemism to replace an expletive, similar to hell |
| the rest is history | (Idiomatic) Used to indicate that one does not need to give extra details about a story as it is too complicated or already well-known. |
| it depends | Used to indicate that different situations may produce different results. |
| I’m tired | Indicates that the speaker is in need of rest or sleep. |
| in order to | As a means of achieving the specified end; to. |
| monkeys might fly out of my butt | (North America slang vulgar) A response to a situation that one thinks has no chance of ever occurring. |
| oh my life | Synonym of oh my days |
| do want | (chiefly Internet slang) Used as an expression to indicate one’s desire to have something. |
| would it hurt | (rhetorical question) Used to point out that the interlocutor is failing to do something relatively easy that they should be doing. |
| you know what | (Idiomatic) A phrase used to get someone’s attention before announcing something. |
| here you are | (Idiomatic) Said when you hand something over to someone or do a favour to them, usually to draw the recipient’s attention to the exchange; Equivalent to thank you when receiving something. |
| all wool and a yard wide | (dated) Describes someone or something of high quality. |
| hit it | (informal) Start performing; start playing a song, etc. |
| I’m transgender | I’m transgender |
| servabo fidem | I shall keep faith (motto of various groups). |
| pound for pound | Alternative spelling of pound-for-pound |
| bottom falls out | (Idiomatic) Said about a collapse |
| OK yah | (British upper class) an affirmative response |
| would it kill someone | (rhetorical question) Indicates the speaker is annoyed that someone is not doing something they should do. |
| you know what I mean | (colloquial) a phrase used to attempt to get the interlocutor to agree |
| here you go | (Idiomatic) Alternative form of here you are |
| alone in a crowd | Feeling as though one does not fit in with the people around one. |
| me neither | (colloquial) Used to say that a negative-containing statement of the previous speaker applies to the speaker as well. |
| chin up | (Idiomatic) Be happy; cheer up. |
| to be continued | (television) Used at the end of an episode to indicate that the story continues in the next episode. |
| I’m twenty years old | Indicates that the speaker is aged twenty. |
| vide infra | see below |
| such is life | Used to express the acceptance of misfortune. |
| off with someone’s head | (jocular) Used to express a desire to kill the person in question. |
| Lord knows | Alternative form of God knows |
| case closed | The above is meant as final, not subject to amendation or variation. |
| yon | (knitting) Acronym of yarn over needle |
| you know what they say | Used to introduce, or alluding to, an apt adage |
| you’ve got to laugh | Used when somebody sees the funny side to a tough situation, to remind not to take things so seriously. |
| ten points to Gryffindor | (slang) Used to praise someone for a statement or action viewed as commendable. |
| that’s a relief | that’s a relief (said upon hearing good news that makes someone cease to be worried about something) |
| I’m worried | Indicates that the speaker is worried. |
| kill the rabbit | (obsolete idiomatic) To get a positive test result from an old-fashioned pregnancy test. |
| vide supra | see above |
| live and learn | An exhortation to gain knowledge from lived experiences. Commonly used after an accident or misfortune to indicate a moral lesson. |
| would not throw someone out of bed | an understatement meaning one finds a person sexually attractive |
| WWJD | Initialism of what would Jesus do |
| catch you later | (informal) An informal farewell |
| that’s a wrap | Used to indicate that the activity being engaged in has just ended. |
| the rubber meets the road | &lit rubber meet road |
| to be honest | (Idiomatic) Frankly, honestly. |
| I’m your huckleberry | (dated informal US) I am your partner; I will join you; I will work with you; I will fight you; I will dance with you. |
| STC | Said to contain. |
| off with their head | Alternative form of off with someone’s head |
| Lord love you | Said to express good will toward the listener |
| you learn something new every day | Uttered after acquiring new knowledge. |
| catch you on the flip side | (informal) Goodbye, farewell. |
| all your base are belong to us | (Internet slang humorous) Used to tout victory over an opponent, or simply as a humorous catchphrase. |
| that’s all | That is all I want to say. There is no more to it. |
| horses for courses | (chiefly Britain idiomatic) Different people are suited for different jobs or situations; what is fitting in one case may not be fitting in another. |
| HRU | (Internet slang text messaging) How are you? |
| to be named later | In an exchange, a unspecified example of a thing (in sports, usually a player), either not yet chosen or named publicly, at the time of a trade. |
| Sieg Heil | The greeting Sieg Heil, used in the Third Reich during the Nazi era and by neo-Nazis today. |
| good night | A farewell said in the evening or before going to sleep. |
| would you mind putting on your seat belt | Politely asks someone in a vehicle to put on their seat belt. |
| easy does it | (Idiomatic) Relax; do something gently, lightly or carefully; slow down; calm down. |
| that’s all she wrote | (idiomatic US) Indicating an abrupt termination of a project, or of one’s hopes or plans. |
| me too | That applies to me as well. |
| oh noes | (Internet slang) oh no (compare lolz) |
| that’s for me to know and you to find out | a phrase used to reply to a question whose answer the speaker doesn’t want to reveal |
| to be truthful | Synonym of to be honest |
| still got one’s communion money | (UK Ireland) stingy, frugal. |
| Good Night, Vienna | Alternative form of goodnight Vienna |
| suo motu | Synonym of sua sponte |
| do you accept American dollars | Used to ask whether or not products or services may be paid for in American dollars. |
| winner, winner, chicken dinner | (childish) An expression or declaration of victory, especially in a game of chance. |
| workers of the world, unite | Laborers are encouraged to unionize or otherwise engage in collective action on a global scale in order to use the strength of their numbers to obtain better conditions. |
| talk of the devil | (Idiomatic) Alternative form of speak of the devil |
| you must be fun at parties | A sarcastic retort to somebody who has said something perceived as boring or pedantic. |
| that’s it | There is nothing more to the issue. That’s all. |
| hit me | (card games) In blackjack, said by a player to ask the dealer to deal them another card. |
| how about that | (rhetorical question) A general statement of surprise or bemusement with regard to a particular event.; isn’t that good, or unexpected, etc. |
| ding, ding, ding, we have a winner | (humorous) Said when somebody answers a question correctly. |
| do you accept credit cards | Used to ask whether or not products or services may be paid for by credit card. |
| word has it | people who gossip are saying that…, there is a rumor going around that… |
| woulda, coulda, shoulda | An expression of dismissiveness or disappointment concerning a statement, question, explanation, course of action, or occurrence involving hypothetical possibilities, uncertain facts, or missed opportunities. |
| you must be new here | Used to express (often sarcastically) that someone has in some way displayed their ignorance, unfamiliarity, or incompetence. |
| how are you | (Idiomatic) An informal greeting, not requiring a literal response. Typical responses include: |
| do you believe in God | Used to ask whether the interlocutor believes in God. |
| woulda, shoulda, coulda | Alternative form of woulda, coulda, shoulda |
| that’s life | Expresses acceptance of misfortune. |
| safety in numbers | Short of there is safety in numbers |
| how are you doing | (informal) Alternative form of how do you do |
| NN | (internet) Not now |
| do you come here often | A common phrase for initiating conversation with a stranger, especially one for seeking romantic involvement. |
| worm has turned | Past of worm turns |
| you never know | Used to speculate about a slight possibility. |
| that’s my | Indicates approval at someone who is doing something praiseworthy. |
| how are you getting along | (informal) A greeting roughly equivalent to how are you. |
| senso lato | In the broad sense. |
| leave well enough alone | To leave something alone; to avoid trying to correct, fix, or improve what is already adequate. |
| do you have a boyfriend | Used to ask whether the interlocutor has a boyfriend. |
| that’s saying something | (idiom) Said of something that has an even greater impact or effect than what is readily apparent, considering the context. |
| the shoe is on the other foot | (Idiomatic) The roles of people in a situation have been reversed, such that the advantage has shifted to a party which was previously disadvantaged. |
| this is someone | (MLE) This is what (the named person) said or did; used in recounting events, etc. |
| how bist | (UK _ dialect West Country & West Midlands informal) How are you? A generic greeting. |
| senso stricto | In the strict/narrow sense. |
| do you have a girlfriend | Used to ask whether the interlocutor has a girlfriend. |
| Lord only knows | Alternative form of God knows, in sense of something unknown to mortal men. |
| WWWWW | (humorous math) Abbreviation of lang=en |
| that’s that | (Idiomatic) There is nothing more to say or to do concerning the matter. |
| check yourself before you wreck yourself | (colloquial) Consider the consequences of your actions before you end up in trouble. |
| this is the life | (informal) An expression of bliss, an expression of happiness with one’s current situation. |
| how can you sleep at night | A rhetorical question, used to tell someone that they should feel guilty about something. |
| asf | Initialism of and so forth |
| wake up and die right | (informal used imperatively) get a grip |
| aaby | Abbreviation of as amended by |
| do you have a menu in English | A question used to ask for a restaurant menu in the English language |
| wwwww | (mathematics) Abbreviation of lang=en (used at the end of a proof) |
| that’s the bunny | (UK colloquial) That is the right person or thing; that’s it. |
| the show must go on | (Idiomatic) One must finish what one has started; things must continue no matter what. |
| this is where we came in | (Idiomatic) Said of a situation which has become repetitive. |
| nod’s as good as a wink to a blind bat | (simile colloquial) The idea/proposed action is inconsequential to the current situation. |
| wake up and smell the ashes | (rare) Synonym of wake up and smell the coffee |
| on the huh | (East Anglia) not level, not square, not straight |
| do you have any brothers or sisters | Used to ask whether someone has any siblings. |
| dogs bark | Feet hurt (are in pain). |
| worm turns | (idiomatic usually preceded by the) Circumstances change so that a previously disadvantaged party gains the advantage, or vice-versa. |
| rien ne va plus | (gambling) In roulette, an announcement made by the croupier while the wheel is spinning and no more bets can be placed. |
| that’s the spirit | Used to encourage someone’s positive attitude. |
| mea culpa | My fault, due to my error; I am to blame. |
| this just in | Said to announce breaking news. |
| how did he die | What were the circumstances of his death? (cause, etc) |
| more like | Used to challenge another’s use of a term, replacing it with something the speaker or writer considers more pertinent. |
| sic semper tyrannis | Thus always to tyrants; tyrannical leaders will inevitably be overthrown. |
| Kansai dialect | group of Japanese dialects in the Kansai region (Kinki region) of Japan |
| do you have any pets | Used to ask whether the interlocutor is an owner of pets. |
| alright me babber | (Bristol informal) A generic greeting. |
| Elvis has left the building | (Idiomatic) A phrase used to announce the end of a show, usually one performed by an Elvis impersonator. |
| this means war | An avowal of anger towards someone, suggesting revenge is now sought. |
| how do | Alternative form of how do you do |
| she could be his mother | One could be someone’s parent, said of a woman older than a man. |
| narmean | Eye dialect of |
| do you have children | Used to ask whether somebody is a parent of children. |
| wya | (internet slang text messaging) Initialism of where you at (where are you at?) |
| alright me lover | (West Country informal) A generic greeting. |
| that’s the ticket | (Idiomatic) That’s just right; that’s just what is needed. |
| how do I get to | Please show me/tell me the best way to reach … |
| IC | I see |
| shoulda, coulda, woulda | Alternative form of woulda, coulda, shoulda |
| nome sane | (AAVE) Eye dialect of know what I’m saying |
| guess what | &lit guess what |
| whenever one turns around | Alternative form of every time one turns around |
| do you have Wi-Fi | Asks if there is any available Wi-Fi connection. |
| alright my babber | (Bristol informal) Alternative form of alright me babber |
| the story goes | The story is usually depicted as follows. |
| how do I get to the airport | Used to ask for directions in order to go to an airport. |
| shoulda, woulda, coulda | Alternative form of woulda, coulda, shoulda |
| do you kiss your mother with that mouth | Alternative form of you kiss your mother with that mouth |
| Lord willing and the creek don’t rise | (idiomatic US informal) Barring unforeseen circumstances. |
| you said it | Used to express complete agreement with a previous statement by the interlocutor |
| alright my lover | (West Country informal) Alternative form of alright me lover |
| how do I get to the bus station | Used to ask for directions in order to go to a bus station. |
| ask me one on sport | a sarcastic reply given when a person does not know the correct answer. |
| need I say more | (colloquial humorous rhetorical question) Used to say that audience can predict the result of something. |
| sounds like a plan | (informal) Used to indicate agreement with a proposed suggestion. |
| put that in your pipe and smoke it | (idiomatic colloquial pejorative) Used after stating something surprising or undesired, to emphasize its truth. Also used after refuting an argument. Sometimes an adjective is inserted before pipe. |
| do you know | <i>This entry exists purely in order to provide translations</i> |
| take a picture, it will last longer | (informal) an ironic statement said after being stared at for a long time. |
| the streets are paved with gold | (Idiomatic) Used to describe a place where it is easy to become wealthy or live well. |
| how do I get to the train station | Used to ask for directions in order to go to a train station. |
| ask my arse | (idiomatic slang) A common reply to any question; still deemed wit at sea, and formerly at court, under the denomination of selling bargains. |
| stop the car | When giving directions to a person (for example, a taxi driver), indicates that he or she should stop the vehicle. |
| do you know who I am | An arrogant expression of one’s importance. |
| wouldn’t you know | (Idiomatic) Alternative form of wouldn’t you know it |
| YMBJ | (internet text messaging) Initialism of you must be joke |
| you shouldn’t have | (Idiomatic) Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift. |
| how do ye do | Alternative form of how do you do |
| fans are slans | (dated fandom slang) Science fiction fans are more intelligent and more creative than other people. |
| use one’s coconut | (Philippines dated) Use one’s head; think. |
| bit by a barn mouse | (UK dialect idiomatic) tipsy |
| stick that in your pipe and smoke it | Alternative form of put that in your pipe and smoke it |
| nostra sponte | (legal) on its own initiative |
| do you mind | Used to politely ask someone for a favour |
| but for the grace of God | Were it not for God’s help, someone could have suffered that outcome. |
| wouldn’t you know it | (Idiomatic) Expresses dismay or annoyance, especially at bad luck or misfortune. |
| head in the sand | Exhibiting disregard or denial of a problem or threat. |
| the terrorists will have won | (Idiomatic) Phrase used to indicate that if a specified activity is not continued or carried out, those who seek to disrupt normal activities through terror will have succeeded, which is an unacceptable result. |
| HMU | (Internet slang text messaging) Initialism of hit up; contact me at a later time. |
| how do you do | (formal) a greeting used meeting somebody. Alternatives are pleased to meet you and nice to meet you. Often not actually meant as a question (depends on the region). |
| please excuse my dear Aunt Sally | (mathematics) A common mnemonic that is used to help people remember the order of operations, in the PEMDAS order. |
| much of a muchness | (Idiomatic) Of two or more things, having little difference of any significance between them. |
| bless someone’s cotton socks | Used to express affection toward the named person. |
| do you need help | Asks the interlocutor if they require assistance |
| or else | otherwise or as an alternative |
| dress for the slide, not the ride | (motorcycling) When choosing clothing for riding a motorcycle, priority should be given to protective gear that helps one survive an accident. |
| that’s wassup | (slang) This is excellent; this is cool. Used to express approval |
| the thick plottens | (humorous) The plot thickens. |
| much to be said | Used to assert the defensibility or advisability of what follows. |
| bless someone’s heart | Used to express gratitude. (Compare bless you, God bless you.) |
| a blessing and a curse | Something that is both a benefit and a burden, or that may seem initially beneficial but also brings unforeseen negative consequences |
| do you speak English | Asks the interlocutor whether or not he or she is able to speak in the English language. |
| Appendix:Harry Potter/Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus | The motto of the fictional European school Hogwarts. |
| you think | (Idiomatic) A sarcastic, rhetorical response to an obvious statement. |
| that’s what I’m talking about | Used to express enthusiastic support for the referent of that. |
| how do you like that | Said in surprise or disappointment. |
| art imitates life | The observation that a creative work was inspired by true events; based on a true story. |
| please help me | A request for help. |
| five will get you ten | (Idiomatic) I strongly believe |
| I’ve been raped | Indicates that the speaker has been raped. |
| GLWT | Initialism of good luck |
| do you think you can walk | Asked to find out whether an ill or wounded person is able to walk or needs to sit down or lie down. |
| or so | Roughly, approximately. |
| that’s what she said | (US humorous idiomatic) A joking retort, intended to draw attention to a previous statement which has the potential for a risqué double entendre. |
| the thing is | (idiomatic colloquial) Used to introduce the main point or issue |
| how do you like them apples | (colloquial rhetorical question) directed jestingly or mockingly at someone who has received surprising information, ridiculing the situation |
| please pass the salt | please pass the salt |
| I’ve been robbed | Indicates that the speaker has been robbed. |
| nature calls | (euphemistic) Used to indicate that someone (usually the speaker) feels a need to urinate or defecate. |
| a boon and a bane | Something that is both a benefit and an affliction. |
| but me no buts | Used to cut off objections or qualifications |
| or something | (Idiomatic) Or something like that. Used to indicate the possibility that previously mentioned word may not be exactly correct in its applicability. |
| YMMV | (Internet) Initialism of your mileage may vary |
| you welcome | (African American Vernacular English) Eye dialect of you’re welcome |
| that’s what’s up | (idiomatic slang) Used to express acquiescence or concurrence. |
| how do you pronounce this word | Please say this word out loud so that I can learn how it is pronounced. |
| fare thee well | (Archaic) Goodbye, farewell. |
| please repeat after me | A request for the interlocutor to repeat what the speaker says next. Often used in language training. |
| I’ve been shot | Indicates one has been shot and may require medical attention. |
| pot, meet kettle | (informal humorous) Used to draw attention to hypocrisy. |
| NAWALT | Initialism of not |
| a boon or a bane | Something that can be either a benefit or an affliction. |
| where are the snows of yesteryear | (rhetorical question colloquial) Used to emphasize that life passes quickly. |
| or what | (Idiomatic) Or something else; allows for the existence of an unexpressed alternative to what was said. |
| rolling in it | &lit roll in it |
| Appendix:Snowclones/that’s X for you | (snowclone) Used to point out that a previously described behavior is typical of something, usually someone or a class of persons. |
| the toilet is clogged | the toilet is clogged |
| how do you say…in English | Common phrase used to ask how to express an idea or translate a word, often in a foreign language. |
| circle gets the square | (jocular) An affirmative response; often used sarcastically. |
| more than someone has had hot dinners | (informal) A very large number. |
| please say that again | Used as request for the interlocutor to repeat what he or she said previously. |
| I’ve burned myself | Indicates that the speaker is physically hurt due to contact with fire or heat. |
| different strokes | A shortened version of different strokes for different folks |
| where are the toilets | Alternative form of where is the toilet |
| or words to that effect | (Idiomatic) used to indicate a paraphrase or the chance of an error in the details of reported speech. |
| you win | Used to express resignation. To concede defeat even though one is not convinced of the opposing arguments. |
| how do you spell this word | I want to know how this word is written. |
| to hell with | A phrase used to show displeasure or disregard to something. |
| in virtue of which | by which |
| please sit down | Offering a seat to somebody. |
| where are we | What is our current location? |
| out to | intending to (do a specified action) |
| ymts | (Internet slang) Initialism of you mean to say |
| YOYO | Initialism of you’re on your own |
| am I right | (colloquial rhetorical question) Said by someone who has just stated what he or she considers to be an unassailable truth. |
| IDR | (Internet text messaging) Initialism of I don’t remember (or recall) |
| in potentiâ | (with marked ablative) Alternative spelling of in potentia |
| tt | Abbreviation of ’tis true |
| please speak more slowly | Used to ask the interlocutor to speak more slowly. |
| I’ve lost my keys | (UK) Indicates that the speaker has lost his or her keys. |
| where are we going | where are we going? |
| but who’s counting | (colloquial rhetorical question sarcastic humorous) Used as a retort or comeback, often to deprecate oneself or another for excessive concern or attention to detail. |
| dyor | (informal) Initialism of do your own research |
| you wish | (idiomatic colloquial) Used to express the speaker’s skepticism about a preceding statement concerning some desired or assumed state of affairs. |
| am I right or am I right | (colloquial rhetorical question) Alternative form of am I right |
| how goes it | (Idiomatic) An informal greeting roughly equivalent to how are you. |
| methinks the lady doth protest too much | Alternative form of the lady doth protest too much |
| please turn left | When giving directions to a person (for example, a taxi driver), indicates that he or she should turn left. |
| could be written on the back of a postage stamp | (figuratively) Is very small or limited. |
| I’ve never heard it called that before | (informal) Used to draw attention to a possible double entendre in the immediately preceding utterance of another speaker. |
| where are you | where are you? (used over the phone or while texting, for example) |
| you wish, jellyfish | (childish) Synonym of you wish |
| am I under arrest | Asked to authority, to ascertain if one is being detained. |
| methinks thou dost protest too much | Alternative form of the lady doth protest too much |
| please turn right | When giving directions to a person (for example, a taxi driver), indicates that he or she should turn right. |
| bang to rights | (British) &lit bang (adverb), to rights |
| gimme a break | (informal) An expression of disbelief |
| where are you from | In which country or region were you born or raised? |
| revenge is sweet | Said when one is satisfied with taking revenge on oneself. |
| ’tis the season | Indicating that it is the time of year around Christmas, and that things associated with that time period are happening or likely to happen. |
| pull the other one | Alternative form of pull the other one, it’s got bells on |
| where are your parents | where are your parents? |
| out with it | Used to tell somebody to reveal a secret. |
| have a good one | phrase used when parting. |
| how long is a piece of string | (colloquial often humorous) Used as a response to a question such as “How long will it take?” or “How big is it?” when the length or size is unknown, infinite, or variable. |
| ay up me duck | (chiefly Midlands informal) A generic greeting. |
| before you can say Jack Robinson | Very quickly; quicker than one expects. |
| pull the other one, it’s got bells on | (idiomatic jocular) Expresses disbelief. |
| where away | (nautical) A query uttered by the officer of the deck as to the direction of an object sighted by the lookout. |
| only time will tell | (Idiomatic) Alternative form of time will tell |
| could fit on the back of a postage stamp | Alternative form of could be written on the back of a postage stamp |
| before you can say knife | Very quickly; quicker than one expects. |
| pull the other one, it’s got brass bells on | Alternative form of pull the other one, it’s got bells on |
| where can I find a hotel | Please direct me to a hotel. |
| the wheels came off | (Idiomatic) Synonym of the wheels fell off |
| angel passes | Used to denote an awkward pause. |
| how many languages do you speak | how many languages do you speak? |
| could go all day | One has much to say about something, but chooses to say only a fraction of it. |
| sleep tight | If you keep yourself tightly bundled you will sleep warm and rest well. |
| nature vs nurture | Comparing innate skills with learned skills. |
| practice, practice, practice | emphatic guidance on the importance of practice to learning a skill or similar |
| where do I sign up | (rhetorical question) Expresses interest in doing something. |
| WYCIWYG | (Internet acronym) What you cache is what you get: A URI scheme specific to the Mozilla family of web browsers which indicates that a link should be preferentially fetched from cache instead of from the web server. |
| help is on the way | help is on the way |
| many thanks | An expression of gratitude, expressing greater gratitude than thank you or thanks. |
| the wheels came off the bus | (Idiomatic) Synonym of the wheels fell off |
| mercy bucket | (humorous) Eye dialect of merci beaucoup |
| how many siblings do you have | Used to ask how many brothers or sisters someone has. |
| pleased to meet you | A polite formula used when being introduced to somebody. |
| could have fooled me | Alternative form of you could have fooled me |
| CPCFC | (geometry) Initialism of corresponding parts of congruent forms are congruent |
| DILLIGAFF | (US military slang) Acronym of does it look like I give a flying fuck? |
| where do you live | Used to ask where the person lives. |
| the wheels came off the wagon | (Idiomatic) Synonym of the wheels fell off |
| mercy buckets | (jocular) thanks a lot |
| where do you live at | (nonstandard) Alternative form of where do you live |
| you’d better believe it | Used to emphasise a previous comment |
| than a bygod | (colloquial idiomatic) Used with a comparative to express extreme heat or cold. |
| the wheels fell off | (Idiomatic) Something failed, often after a laborious, tiring process. |
| could have, would have, should have | Expressing regret at something that cannot now be changed. |
| where does it hurt | Asked to find out where a wounded or ill person is feeling pain. |
| hell if I know | (idiom vulgar) Synonym of I don’t know |
| you’d complain if you were hung with a new rope | (humorous) Said as a mild admonishment to somebody who is always complaining. |
| the wheels fell off the bus | (Idiomatic) Synonym of the wheels fell off |
| every good boy deserves fudge | (music mnemonic) A mnemonic phrase to help remember the order of the five lines on a musical treble stave in order from the bottom to the top: E G B D F. |
| could I see the menu, please | Said in a restaurant, to ask for the menu. |
| SITI | (aviation travel fare construction dated) Sold inside, ticketed inside. (relative to the country of origin of travel). |
| where does this bus go | Used to ask where the bus is going. |
| help wanted | Indicates that a position of employment is open. |
| the wheels fell off the wagon | (Idiomatic) Synonym of the wheels fell off |
| how much do I owe you | Asking how much money is to be paid for products or services. |
| where does this train go | Used to ask where the train is going. |
| how much do you charge | Used to ask a professional the monetary cost of his/her services. |
| ICBW | (internet) Initialism of I could be wrong |
| steady as she goes | (nautical) A cry to a helmsman to keep on the current course. |
| put the same shoe on every foot | To attempt to apply a single solution to different problems. |
| suck my cock | (idiomatic vulgar offensive) An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party. |
| where have you been | where have you been? |
| temper temper | (Idiomatic) Used to tell someone to control their (bad) temper |
| eid mubarak | (Islam) A customary Muslim greeting on the days of Eid ul-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. |
| how much does it cost | What is its price?, How much money do you want for it? |
| IDST | (UK slang used in graffiti) Initialism of if destroyed still true |
| Appendix:Snowclones/in X, no one can hear you Y | (snowclone) Indicates a threat of imminent danger. X is often limited to words having something to do with space (e.g. cyberspace). Y is a sound made by humans, especially ‘scream’. |
| coulda, shoulda, woulda | Alternative form of woulda, coulda, shoulda |
| BEDMAS | (mathematics acronym) Brackets, exponents, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction; a mnemonic for arithmetic order of precedence, with B first and AS last. |
| give credit where credit is due | Alternative form of credit where credit’s due |
| boom goes the dynamite | Indicating that something spectacular has happened, particularly where a plan or an effort has successfully culminated. |
| suck my dick | Alternative form of suck my cock |
| where is the toilet | (British literal) Direct me to the restroom (US) or WC (British). |
| wyd | (internet slang text messaging) Initialism of what you doing (what are you doing?) |
| YO | Abbreviation of years old |
| Eid Mubarak | Alternative form of eid mubarak |
| how much is it | how much does it cost? |
| in your dreams | (idiomatic colloquial) Used to express the speaker’s skepticism about another’s preceding statement about a desired or assumed state of affairs. |
| ISHYGDDT | (internet slang) Initialism of I seriously hope you guys don’t do this; used to indicate that the speaker does not approve of something previously mentioned |
| coulda, woulda, shoulda | Alternative form of woulda, coulda, shoulda |
| queer as Dick’s hatband | See Dick’s hatband. |
| nulla poena sine lege | Alternative spelling of nulla pœna sine lege |
| suck my penis | Alternative form of suck my cock |
| what a lovely day | The day is lovely. |
| ono | Abbreviation of or nearest offer |
| svidaniya | Only used in do svidaniya |
| to save one’s life | (informal) at all (Used with “can’t”, “couldn’t” etc. to emphasize a lack of skill) |
| ICCL | I couldn’t care less (phrase used to express an uncaring opinion towards a subject) |
| IDTS | (internet slang text messaging) Initialism of I don’t think so |
| exsqueeze me | (humorous) Excuse me. |
| nulla pœna sine lege | (legal) The principle that a person shall receive no punishment unless he has committed an offence as explicitly defined in a law. |
| like a martin to his gourd | (US regional) Straight, unerringly, directly. |
| what a pity | Used to express regret or disappointment about an unfortunate event or piece of information. |
| HAND | Initialism of have a nice day |
| you’ll be late for your own funeral | (humorous) Said as a mild admonishment to somebody who is always late for things. |
| every man for himself | An expression of indifference, that everyone should forget about comradeship and save themselves. |
| size matters | (jocular) Used to assert the opinion that sexual partners prefer men with larger penises, or that penis size has an effect on the quality of an act of intercourse. |
| KAT | Initialism of kill all taigs |
Note: these words have been obtained from Wiktionary and have been classified and improved through automated computer linguistics processes.