Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (15 page)

Be there or be square
.
You really must come to the event. (Older slang. Still heard.
Square
= uncool.)
There is a gathering this evening at the boss's house. Sure to be a joyous occasion. Be there or be square
.
There is a big concert in the park tonight. Some local rock star will perform. Be there or be square.

Be with you in a minute
.
Go to (Someone will) be with you in a minute.

Bear up
!
Be brave!; Show courage!
Bear up, Fred! You can do it. It will all be over in a few days
.
I know that things are going badly just now, but bear up! We are all standing behind you.

Beat it
!
Go away!; Get out! (Slang.)
B
ILL
: Sorry I broke your radio. B
OB
: Get out of here! Beat it!
“Beat it, you kids! Go play somewhere else!” yelled the storekeeper.

Beats me
.
Go to (It) beats me.

Been a long time
.
Go to (It's) been a long time.

Been a pleasure
.
Go to (It's) been a pleasure.

Been getting by
.
Go to (I've) been getting by.

Been keeping busy
.
Go to (I've) been keeping busy. See also (Have you) been keeping busy?

Been keeping cool
.
Go to (I've) been keeping cool. See also (Have you) been keeping cool?

Been keeping out of trouble
.
Go to (I've) been keeping out of trouble. See also (Have you) been keeping out of trouble?

Been okay
.
Go to (I've) been okay. See also (Have you) been okay?

Been under the weather
.
Go to (I've) been under the weather.

Been up to no good
.
Go to (I've) been up to no good.

Beg pardon
.
Go to (I) beg your pardon.

beg the question 1
.
to evade the issue; to carry on a false argument in which one assumes as proved the very point that is being argued.
Stop arguing in circles. You're begging the question
.
It's hopeless to argue with Sally. She always begs the question
.
2
.
to invite the asking of the following question. (A completely incorrect reinterpretation of the phrase. Very popular in the last few years.)
His behavior begs the question: Is he basically rude or just dull?
This letter begs the question: “How much money should I charge?
”

Beg your pardon
.
Go to (I) beg your pardon.

beg your pardon, but
Go to (I) beg your pardon, but.

begging your pardon, but
Go to (I) beg your pardon, but.

Behind you
!
Look behind you!; There is danger behind you!
“Behind you!” shouted Tom just as a car raced past and nearly knocked Mary over.
Alice shouted, “Behind you!” just as the pickpocket made off with Fred's wallet.