Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (117 page)

in my humble opinion
a phrase introducing the speaker's opinion.
“In my humble opinion,” began Fred, arrogantly, “I have achieved what no one else ever could.
”
B
OB
: What are we going to do about the poor condition of the house next door? B
ILL
: In my humble opinion, we will mind our own business.

in my opinion
Go to as I see it.

in my view
Go to as I see it.

in other words
a phrase introducing a restatement of what has just been said.
H
ENRY
: Sure I want to do it, but how much do I get paid? A
NDREW
: In other words, you're just doing it for the money
.
B
ILL
: Well, I suppose I really should prepare my entourage for departure. B
OB
: In other words, you're leaving? B
ILL
: One could say that, I suppose. B
OB
: Why didn't one?

in plain English
in very direct and clear language; in English that anyone can understand.
I told him what he was to do in plain English
.
That was too complicated. Please tell me again, this time in plain English.

in
someone's
face
annoying and bothering someone, urgently and possibly too closely. (Also literal.)
I really can't stand her manner. She's always in my face about something. With her, everything is urgent
.
Listen, I don't like you in my face all the time. Just step back and let's talk like equals.

in the first place
originally; basically; for openers. (This can run through
in the second place
,
in the third place
, but not much higher.)
B
ILL
: What did I do? B
OB
: In the first place, you had no business being there at all. In the second place, you were acting rude
.
B
ILL
: Why on earth did you do it in the first place? S
UE
: I don't know.

in the interest of saving time
in order to hurry things along.
M
ARY
: In the interest of saving time, I'd like to save questions for the end of my talk. B
ILL
: But I have an important question now!
“In the interest of saving time,” said Jane, “I'll give you the first three answers.
”