Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (118 page)

in the main
basically; generally.
M
ARY
: Everything looks all right—in the main. S
ALLY
: What details need attention? M
ARY
: Just a few things here and there. Like on page 27
.
J
OHN
: Are you all ready? S
UE
: I think we're ready, in the main. J
OHN
: Then, we shall go.

in the meantime
the period of time between two events; the period of time between now and when something is supposed to happen.
The movie starts at 6:00. In the meantime, let's eat dinner
.
My flight was at 8:00. In the meantime, I played solitaire.

in the nick of time
just in time; at the last possible instant; just before it is too late.
The doctor arrived in the nick of time. The patient's life was saved
.
I reached the airport in the nick of time.

in the wrong place at the wrong time
in a location where something bad is going to happen, exactly when it happens. (Usually about something bad.)
I always get into trouble. I'm just in the wrong place at the wrong time
.
It isn't my fault. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

in this day and age
now; in these modern times.
B
ILL
: Ted flunked out of school. M
OTHER
: Imagine that! Especially in this day and age
.
B
ILL
: Taxes keep going up and up. B
OB
: What do you expect in this day and age?

in view of
due to; because of.
“In view of the bad weather,” began Tom, “the trip has been canceled.
”
A
NDREW
: Can we hurry? We'll be late. M
ARY
: In view of your attitude about going in the first place, I'm surprised you even care.

incidentally
Go to by the way.

(Is) anything going on?
Is there anything exciting or interesting happening here?
A
NDREW
: Hey, man! Anything going on? H
ENRY
: No. This place is dull as can be
.
B
OB
: Come in, Tom. T
OM
: Is anything going on? B
OB
: No. You've come on a very ordinary day.