Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (153 page)

My bad
.
Sorry, it's my fault.
D
ON
: Who left the door unlocked? H
ANNA
: I did. My bad
.
A
NDREW
: My bad. I won't do it again.

(My) goodness (gracious)
!
a general expression of interest or mild amazement.
B
ILL
: My goodness! The window is broken! A
NDREW
: I didn't do it! B
ILL
: Who did, then?
“Goodness! I'm late!” said
Kate, glancing at her watch.
“Goodness gracious! Are you hurt?” asked Sue as she helped the fallen student to his feet.

(My) hand to God
!
I pledge that what I am saying is the truth. (Refers to raising one hand as when taking an oath.)
Q: Is there something wrong with her? A: No. I saw her standing right there on the corner with no shoes on! Hand to God!
Hand to God! I've never seen him before in my life!

(My) heavens
!
a mild exclamation of surprise or amazement.
B
ILL
: Heavens! The clock has stopped. B
OB
: Don't you have a watch?
S
ALLY
: The police are parked in our driveway, and one of them is getting out! M
ARY
: My heavens!

My house is your house
.
AND
Our house is your house
.
a polite expression said to make a guest feel at home. (From the Spanish phrase
Mi casa, su casa.
)
B
ILL
: Hello, Tom. T
OM
(entering): So nice you can put me up for the night. B
ILL
: My house is your house. Make yourself at home
.
M
ARY
: Come in, you two. B
ILL
: Thanks. S
UE
: Yes, thank you. M
ARY
: Well, what can I get you? My house is your house.

(My,) how time flies. 1
.
Time has gone by quickly, and it is now time for me to go.
B
ILL
: Look at the clock! M
ARY
: How time flies! I guess you'll be going. T
OM
: Oh, no. I just noticed that it's time for the late show on television
.
J
OHN
: My watch says it's nearly midnight. How time flies! J
ANE
: Yes, it's late. We really must go
.
2
.
Time passes quickly. (Said especially when talking about how children grow and develop.)
“Look at how big Billy is getting,” said Uncle Michael. “My, how time flies.
”
T
OM
: It seems it was just yesterday that I graduated from high school. Now I'm a grandfather. M
ARY
: My, how time flies.