Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (228 page)

What would you say if I
did something
?
How would you feel or think about my doing something? (Also in other persons.)
B
ILL
: What would you say if I ate the last piece of cake? B
OB
: Go ahead. I don't care
.
M
ARY
: What would you say if we left a little early? S
ALLY
: It's okay with me.

What you been up to?
Go to What (have) you been up to?

What you see is what you get
.
Nothing additional is concealed or available.; What is in front of you is all you get.
Q: Are there any red or green ones available? A: Sorry. What you see is what you get
.
D
IRECTOR
: Could we get a little more excitement in your face when you say the lines? A
CTOR
: Not today. I'm too upset. What you see is what you get.

Whatever
.
Anything—it doesn't matter.; Either one.
B
OB
: Which do you want, red or green? T
OM
: Whatever
.
M
ARY
: Do you want to go with me to the seashore or stay here? J
ANE
: Whatever.

Whatever turns you on. 1
.
If doing that pleases or excites you, then do it.
M
ARY
: Do you mind if I buy some of these flowers? B
ILL
: Whatever turns you on
.
M
ARY
: I just love to hear a raucous saxophone play some smooth jazz. B
OB
: Whatever turns you on, baby
.
2
.
If that kind of thing excites you, enjoy it. (Essentially sarcastic.)
B
OB
: I just go wild whenever I see pink gloves on a woman. I don't understand it. B
ILL
: Whatever turns you on
.
J
ANE
: You see, I never told anybody this, but whenever I see dirty snow at the side of the road, I just go sort of wild inside. S
UE
: Weird, Jane, weird. But, whatever turns you on.

What'll it be?
AND
Name your poison.; What'll you have?; What's yours?
What do you want to drink?; What do you want?; How can I serve you? (Typically said by a bartender or bar waiter or waitress.)
T
OM
: What'll it be, friend? B
ILL
: I'll just have a Coke, if you don't mind
.
W
AITRESS
: What'll you have? B
OB
: Nothing, thanks.