Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (235 page)

Whenever
.
At whatever time you want.; At whatever time it happens—it really doesn't matter.
B
ILL
: When should I pick you up? S
UE
: Oh, whenever. I don't care. Just come on over, and we'll take it from there
.
M
ARY
: Well, Uncle Harry, how nice to have you for a visit. We need to book your return flight. When will you be leaving? U
NCLE
: Oh, whenever.

Where can I wash up?
AND
Is there some place I can wash up?
a way of asking where the toilet or bathroom is without referring to one's need to use it. (Of course, this is also appropriate to ask where one can wash one's hands.)
The minute Joe got to the house, he asked Fred, “Where can I wash up?
”
F
RED
: Welcome. Come in. B
ILL
: Oh, is there someplace I can wash up?

Where have you been all my life?
an expression of admiration usually said to a lover.
M
ARY
: I feel very happy when I'm with you. J
OHN
: Oh, Mary, where have you been all my life?
John, who always seemed to sound like a paperback novel, grasped Alice's hand, stared directly at her left ear, and stuttered, “Where have you been all my life?
”

Where have you been hiding yourself?
Hello, I haven't seen you in a long time.
I haven't seen you in a long time. Where've you been hiding yourself?
A: Remember Bob? B: Where has he been hiding himself? We missed him at the meeting.

Where (have) you been keeping yourself?
I haven't seen you for a long time. Where have you been?
B
ILL
: Hi, Alice! Where you been keeping yourself? A
LICE
: Oh, I've been around. How are you doing? B
ILL
: Okay
.
J
OHN
: Tsup? B
ILL
: Hi, man. Where you been keeping yourself? J
OHN
: Oh, I've been busy.

Where is the rest room?
the appropriate way of asking for the toilet in a public building.
B
OB
: 'Scuse me. W
AITER
: Yes, sir. B
OB
: Where is the rest room? W
AITER
: To your left, sir
.
M
ARY
: Where is the rest room, please? C
LERK
: Behind the elevators, ma'am.