Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (113 page)

I'm listening
.
AND
I'm all ears
.
You have my attention, so you should talk.
B
OB
: Look, old pal. I want to talk to you about something. T
OM
: I'm listening
.
B
ILL
: I guess I owe you an apology. J
ANE
: I'm all ears.

I'm not finished with you
.
I still have more to say to you.
Bill started to turn away when he thought the scolding was finished. “I'm not finished with you,” bellowed his father
.
When the angry teacher paused briefly to catch his breath, Bob turned as if to go. “I'm not finished with you,” screamed the teacher, filled anew with breath and invective.

(I'm) just looking
.
Go to I'm only looking.

I'm not kidding
!
I am telling the truth.; I am not trying to fool you.
M
ARY
: Those guys are all suspects in the robbery. S
UE
: No! They can't be! M
ARY
: I'm not kidding!
J
OHN
(gesturing): The fish I caught was this big! J
ANE
: I don't believe it! J
OHN
: I'm not kidding!

I'm not having this conversation
.
I don't like discussing this with you.; I can't believe I'm discussing this with you.
D
ON
: You are late again, and your workspace is a mess. We are
all
angry with you. H
ANNA
: I'm not having this conversation
.
I
SABEL
: This is so embarrassing! I'm not having this conversation! D
AN
: I'm so sorry.

I'm not surprised
.
AND
I don't wonder
.
It is not surprising.; It should not surprise anyone.
M
ARY
: All this talk about war has my cousin very worried. S
UE
: No doubt. At his age, I don't wonder
.
J
OHN
: All of the better-looking ones sold out right away. J
ANE
: I'm not surprised.

I'm off
.
an expression said by someone who is just leaving. (Slang.)
B
OB
: Time to go. I'm off. M
ARY
: Bye
.
S
UE
: Well, it's been great. Good-bye. Got to go. M
ARY
: I'm off too. Bye.