Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (166 page)

now then
a sentence opener indicating that a new topic is being opened or that the speaker is getting down to business. (Expressions such as this often use intonation to convey the connotation of the sentence that is to follow. The brief intonation pattern accompanying the expression may indicate sarcasm, disagreement, caution, consolation, sternness, etc.)
“Now then, where's the pain?” asked the doctor
.
M
ARY
: Now then, let's talk about you and your interests. B
OB
: Oh, good. My favorite subject
.
S
UE
: Now then, what are your plans for the future? A
LICE
: I want to become a pilot
.
“Now then, what did you have in mind when you took this money?” asked the police investigator.

Now what?
AND
What now?
What is going to happen now?; What kind of new problem has arisen?
The doorbell rang urgently, and Tom said, rising from the chair, “Now what?
”
B
OB
: There's a serious problem—sort of an emergency—in the mail room. S
UE
: What now? B
OB
: They're out of stamps or something silly like that.

(Now,) where was I?
I was interrupted, so please help me remember what I was taking about. (The emphasis is on
was
.)
Now, where was I? I think I lost my place
.
Q: Where was I? A: You had just described the War of 1812.

Now you're cooking (with gas)
!
Now you are doing what you should be doing!
As Bob came to the end of the piece, the piano teacher said, “Now you're cooking with gas!
”
T
OM
(painting a fence): How am I doing with this painting? Any better? J
ANE
: Now you're cooking. T
OM
: Want to try it?

Now you're talking
!
Now you are saying the right things.
T
OM
: I won't put up with her behavior any longer. I'll tell her exactly what I think of it. B
ILL
: Now you're talking!
J
OHN
: When I get back to school, I'm going to study harder than ever. M
OTHER
: Now you're talking!