Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (197 page)

take
something
personally
to interpret a remark as if it were mean or critical about oneself.
Don't take it personally, but you really need a haircut
.
A: I'm not sure I like what you just said. B: Please don't take it personally.

take umbrage at
something to feel that one has been insulted by something.
The employee took umbrage at not getting a raise
.
Mary took umbrage at the suggestion that she was being unreasonable.

Taking care of business
.
Go to (Just) taking care of business.

the
talk of
somewhere the frequent subject of conversation in a particular place.
The handsome new teacher was the talk of the town
.
John's new car is the talk of the office.

talk through
one's
hat
to brag or boast; to tell small lies casually.
M
ARY
: I've got the fastest feet in the dorm, and they're going to carry me all the way to the Olympics. S
ALLY
: Oh, Mary, you're just talking through your hat
.
“Bill is always talking through his hat,” said Fred. “Don't pay any attention to his bragging.
”

Talk to you soon
.
Go to (I'll) talk to you soon.

Ta-ta
.
Go to Toodle-oo.

T.C.B
.
Go to (Just) taking care of business.

Tell me another (one)
!
Not true!; What you just told me was a lie, so tell me another lie while you're at it.
B
ILL
: Did you know that the football coach was once a dancer in a movie? T
OM
: Go on! Tell me another one!
“Tell me another one!” laughed Bill at Tom's latest exaggeration.

Tell me more
.
Continue talking and give me more information. (See also Keep talking.)
J
AN
: Well, I hear that Mary is leaving Fred. A
NN
: Really? Tell me more
.
Q: Would you be interested in learning who is seeing whom on a regular basis, whose initials are F.G.? A: Sure. Tell me more.

(Tell me) this isn't happening
.
I can't believe that this is happening.; Assure me that what seems to be happening isn't really happening.
Ye gods! That man just stole my purse! This isn't
happening!
My arm is bleeding, and I think my wrist is broken. I think I'm going to pass out. Tell me this isn't happening!