Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (163 page)

Not in my book
.
Not according to my views. (Compare to Not for my money.)
J
OHN
: Is Fred okay for the job, do you think? M
ARY
: No, not in my book
.
S
UE
: My meal is great! Is yours a real winner? B
OB
: Not in my book.

Not in this life
!
Never!; Not while I am still alive!
B
OB
: Now, we need someone to stay late and clean up after everyone and put all the tables and chairs away. Would you be willing to do that, Tom? T
OM
: Not in this life! I got a date afterward!
I'm hoping to earn a million dollars by the time I'm thirty. I want to have two cars, a boat, a villa in Italy, and a fine collection of vintage wines. Can I do it? Not in this life!

Not likely
.
That is probably not so.
M
ARY
: Is it possible that you'll be able to fix this watch? S
UE
: Not likely, but we can always try
.
S
ALLY
: Will John show up on time, do you think? B
OB
: Not likely.

Not much
.
Go to Not (too) much.

Not on your life
!
No!; Absolutely not!
S
ALLY
: Do you want to go downtown today? B
ILL
: Not on your life! There's a parade this afternoon
.
S
UE
: I was cheated out of fifty dollars. Do you think I need to see a lawyer? J
OHN
: Not on your life! You'll pay more than that to walk through a lawyer's door.

Not right now, thanks
.
No for the present. (It is hoped that one will be asked again later. Usually used for a temporary refusal of food or drink. There is an implication that more will be wanted later.)
W
AITER
: Do you want some more coffee? M
ARY
: Not right now, thanks
.
J
OHN
: Can I take your coat? S
UE
: Not right now, thanks. I'm still a little chilly.

not to mention
someone or something even ignoring the mention of someone or something; additionally taking into account someone or something.
You have caused me a great deal of trouble. Not to mention the distress you have caused your aunt Octavia!
Everyone was there. Fred, Mary, Jane, not to mention their children.