Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (124 page)

It'll never work
!
Go to It'll never fly!

It's a jungle out there
!
The world and the people in it can be quite cruel.
A: Man, I can't believe how rude people are. Whether they are driving or walking, they are just plain animals. B: Yeah. It's a jungle out there
.
Wow, about two dozen reporters have the mayor cornered on the sidewalk, and they're asking him all sorts of questions. It's a jungle out there!

(It's) about that time
.
AND
It's that time
.
It is the scheduled or customary time for something to happen or be done.
It's about that time. We'll be saying good night
.
It's that time. See you in the morning
.
About that time. Off to bed, kids.

It's all
someone
needs
.
Go to That's all someone needs.

It's been
.
a phrase said on leaving a party or some other gathering. (Slang or familiar colloquial. A shortening of
It's been lovely
or some similar expression.)
M
ARY
: Well, it's been. We really have to go, though. A
NDREW
: So glad you could come over. Bye
.
F
RED
: Bye, you guys. See you. S
ALLY
: It's been. Really it has. Toodle-oo.

(It's) been a long time
.
I haven't seen you for a long time. (Also literal.)
Well, Fred Jones, it's been a long time. How are you?
H
ANNA
: Hey, Ida. Good to see you again. You're looking well. I
DA
: Yes, it's been a long time.

(It's) been a pleasure
.
AND
(It's been) my pleasure
.
You are welcome, and I am happy to have come, been invited, or been able
to serve you.
D
ON
: Thanks so much for coming. H
ANNA
: My pleasure
.
I'm glad you could help me with my problem. A
NDREW
: It's been my pleasure.

(It's been) good talking to you
.
AND
(It's) been good to talk to you.; (It's been) nice talking to you
.
a polite phrase said upon departure, at the end of a conversation.
M
ARY
(as the elevator stops): Well, this is my floor. I've got to get off. J
OHN
: Bye, Mary. It's been good talking to you
.
J
OHN
: It's been good talking to you, Fred. See you around. F
RED
: Yeah. See you.