Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (100 page)

(I) wouldn't know
.
There is no way that I would know the answer to that question.
J
OHN
: When will the flight from Miami get in? J
ANE
: Sorry, I wouldn't know
.
B
OB
: Are there many fish in the Amazon River? M
ARY
: Gee, I wouldn't know.

I wouldn't touch
something
with a ten-foot pole
.
Something is totally unacceptable.; I wouldn't even get near it. (Also in other persons.)
Q: Did you guys hear that proposal that Roscoe is shopping around? A: Yeah. We wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole
.
I refuse to do business there. I won't even go in the door. I wouldn't touch that place with a ten-foot pole.

(I'd be) happy to (
do something).
AND
Be happy to (do
something). I would do it with pleasure. (The
do something
is replaced with a description of an activity.)
J
OHN
: I tried to get the book you wanted, but they didn't have it. Shall I try another store? M
ARY
: No, never mind. J
OHN
: I'd be happy to give it a try
.
A
LICE
: Would you fix this, please? J
OHN
: Be happy to.

(I'd) better be going
.
AND
(I'd) better be off
.
an expression announcing the need to depart.
B
OB
: Better be going. Got to get home. B
ILL
: Well, if you must, you must. Bye
.
F
RED
: It's midnight. I'd better be off. H
ENRY
: Okay. Bye, Fred
.
H
ENRY
: Better be off. It's starting to snow. J
OHN
: Yes, it looks bad out.

(I'd) better be off
.
Go to (I'd) better be going.

(I'd) better get moving
.
an expression announcing the need to depart.
J
ANE
: It's nearly dark. Better get moving. M
ARY
: Okay. See you later
.
B
OB
: I'm off. Good night. B
ILL
: Look at the time! I'd better get moving too.

(I'd) better get on my horse
.
an expression indicating that it is time that one departed. (Casual and folksy.)
J
OHN
: It's getting late. Better get on my horse. R
ACHEL
: Have a safe trip. See you tomorrow
.
“I'd better get on my horse. The sun'll be down in an hour,” said Sue, sounding like a cowboy.