Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (151 page)

might as well (
do something)
AND
may as well (
do something
) 1
.
a phrase indicating that it is probably better to do something than not to do it.
B
ILL
: Should we try to get there for the first showing of the film? J
ANE
: Might as well leave now. Nothing else to do
.
Might as well keep the gift. We can't return it
.
2
.
(Usually
Might as well.; May as well
.
) Yes, it will be done.; Yes, do it. (A reluctant yes, in answer to a question.)
Q: It's late. Time for bed. Should I put the cat out? A: Might as well
.
Q: Should I carry this crate out to the garage? I keep tripping over it. A: May as well.

Might be better
.
Go to (Things) could be better.

Mind if I
do something
?
Go to (Do you) mind if I do something?

Mind if I join you?
Go to Could I join you?

Mind your manners
.
Go to Remember your manners.

Mind your own business
.
AND
Get your nose out of my business.; Keep your nose out of my business
.
Stop prying into my affairs. (Not at all polite. The expressions with
get
and
keep
can have the literal meanings of removing and keeping removed.)
A
NDREW
: This is none of your affair. Mind your own business. S
UE
: I was only trying to help
.
B
OB
: How much did you pay in federal taxes last year? J
ANE
: Good grief, Bob! Keep your nose out of my business!
T
OM
: How much did it cost? S
UE
: Tom! Get your nose out of my business!
“Hey!” shrieked Sally, jerking the checkbook out of Sue's grasp. “Get your nose out of my business!
”

Minding my own business
.
Go to (I'm just) minding my own business.

more and more
an increasing amount; additional amounts.
As I learn more and more, I see how little I know
.
Dad seems to be smoking more and more lately.

more or less
somewhat. (Used to express vagueness or uncertainty.)
H
ENRY
: I think this one is what I want, more or less. C
LERK
: A
very wise choice, sir.
H
ENRY
: Is this one the biggest, more or less? J
OHN
: Oh, yes. It's the biggest there is.