Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (208 page)

that's why
!
a tag on the end of a statement that is an answer to a question beginning with
why
. (Shows a little impatience.)
S
UE
: Why do you always put your right shoe on first? B
OB
: Because, when I get ready to put on my shoes, I always pick up the right one first, that's why!
M
ARY
: Why do you eat that awful peppermint candy? T
OM
: Because I like it, that's why!

Them's fighting words
!
That is a very provocative statement!; Those words could lead to a fight! (Humorous and only slightly threatening. The bad grammar is an attempt at rural humor.)
What do you mean by saying I took your parking place? Them's fighting words
.
A: You know, I don't like the way you drive. You scare me to death. B: Where I come from, them's fighting words.

There aren't enough hours in the day
.
There are too many things to do and not enough time.
I am behind in all my work. There aren't enough hours in the day!
We can't handle all the problems that come our way. There aren't enough hours in the day.

(There is) no chance
.
There is no chance that something will happen.
T
OM
: Do you think that some little country like that will actually attack England? J
OHN
: There's no chance
.
B
ILL
: No chance you can lend me a few bucks, is there? B
ILL
: Nope. No chance.

(There is) no doubt about it
.
It cannot be doubted.; It is obvious.
J
ANE
: It's really cold today. F
RED
: No doubt about it!
S
UE
: Things seems to be getting more and more expensive. T
OM
: There's no doubt about that. Look at the price of oranges!

(There is) no need (to)
.
You do not have to.; It is not necessary.
M
ARY
: Shall I try to save all this wrapping paper? S
UE
: No need. It's all torn
.
B
OB
: Would you like me to have it repaired? I'm so sorry I broke it. B
ILL
: There is no need to. I can just glue it, thanks.