Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (185 page)

Since when?
When was that decided?; That's news to me.; When was that done?
T
OM
: You've been assigned to the night shift. J
OHN
: Since when?
J
ANE
: Fred is now the assistant manager. B
OB
: Since when? J
ANE
: Since I appointed him, that's when.

Sir? 1
.
Did you call me, sir? (Said to a man.)
J
OHN
: Tom! T
OM
: Sir? J
OHN
: Get over here!
F
RED
: Bill! B
ILL
: Sir? Did you call me? F
RED
: Yes. Have a seat. I want to talk to you
.
2
.
I did not hear what you said, sir.
J
OHN
: I want you to take this to Mr. Franklin. C
HILD
: Sir? J
OHN
: Please take this to Mr. Franklin
.
B
OB
: Can you wait on me? C
LERK
: Sir? B
OB
: Can you wait on me? C
LERK
: Oh, yes, sir.

Skin me
!
Go to Give me five!

Skip it
!
Never mind!; Forget it! (Shows impatience or disappointment.)
J
OHN
: I need some help on this project. M
ARY
: You've got to be kidding! J
OHN
: Oh, skip it!
J
ANE
: Will you be able to do this, or should I get someone with more experience? B
OB
: What did you say? J
ANE
: Oh, skip it!

Skoal
!
Go to Bottoms up.

Slip me five
!
Go to Give me five!

Slip me some skin
!
Go to Give me five!

slow going
the rate of speed when one is making little progress.
It was slow going at first, but I was able to finish the project by the weekend.
Getting the heavy rocks out of the field is slow going.

slower and slower
at a decreasing rate of speed; slow and then even slower.
The car is going slower and slower and will stop soon
.
The dog's breathing got slower and slower as it went to sleep.