Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (22 page)

change
something
out
AND
swap
something
out
to exchange something (for something else); to replace something. (The
out
makes the phrase colloquial or slang.)
D
ON
: I had to change out the batteries, and now it works fine
.
H
ANNA
: What should I do to brighten up this kitchen? I
SABEL
: Why don't you swap the cabinets out?

Changed my mind
.
Go to (I) changed my mind.

Changed your mind?
Go to (Have you) changed your mind?

channel
someone to copy or imitate someone's actions or philosophy.
Every president wants to channel a former president who was successful
.
Our boss seems to be channeling his former boss who thought that we were all paid too much.

Charmed(, I'm sure)
.
an expression said after being introduced to someone. (Almost a parody. Would not be used in most everyday situations.)
M
ARY
: I want you to meet my great-aunt Sarah. S
ALLY
: Charmed, I'm sure
.
M
ARY
: Bill, meet Sally. Sally, this is Bill. B
ILL
: My pleasure. S
ALLY
: Charmed.

Check
.
That is correct.; That is accounted for.
S
UE
: Is the coffee ready yet? J
OHN
: Check
.
M
ARY
: Let's go over the list. Flashlight?
J
OHN
: Check. M
ARY
: Band-Aids? J
OHN
: Check. M
ARY
: Pencils? J
OHN
: Check. M
ARY
: Matches? J
OHN
: Check. M
ARY
: Great!

Check, please
.
AND
Could I have the bill?; Could I have the check?
Could I please have the bill for this food or drink?
When they both had finished their dessert and coffee, Tom said to the waiter, “Check, please.
”
B
ILL
: That meal was really good. This is a fine place to eat. T
OM
: Waiter! Check, please. W
AITER
: Right away, sir.

check
something
at the door 1
.
to leave something with an appointed custodian near the entrance to a place. (Coats, parcels, umbrellas, and hats are dealt with in this manner. In the Old West, guns were likewise checked at the door.)
Please check your wraps at the door
.
Will I be able to check my umbrella at the door?
2
.
to set aside a thought or an attitude when undertaking serious thinking. (Figurative.)
You need to check those old ideas at the door and look deeper for more relevant things
.
Sorry you're in such a grouchy old mood. Next time, you can just check your frown at the door.