Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (253 page)

You wait
!
Go to You (just) wait (and see)!

You want to know something?
Go to (Do you) want to know something?

You want to make something of it?
Go to (Do you) want to make something of it?

You want to step outside?
Go to (Do) you want to step outside?

You watch
!
Go to (You) (just) watch!

You wish
!
Go to (Don't) you wish!

You wouldn't be trying to kid me, would you?
You are not lying, are you?
B
ILL
: There's a mouse sitting on the toe of your shoe. T
OM
: You wouldn't try to kid me, would you?
B
ILL
: The history final examination was changed to yesterday. Did they tell you? B
OB
: You wouldn't be trying to kid me, would you?

You wouldn't dare ((to)
do something)! an exclamation that shows disbelief about something that the speaker has threatened to do.
B
ILL
: I'm going to leave school. T
OM
: You wouldn't dare leave!
B
ILL
: Be quiet or I'll slap you. J
ANE
: You wouldn't dare!

You wouldn't (do that)
!
Go to You couldn't (do that)!

You('d) better believe it
!
a way of emphasizing a previous statement.
B
ILL
: Man, you're the best goalie this team has ever had! T
OM
: You better believe it!
B
ILL
: This food is so bad. It will probably stunt my growth. T
OM
: You'd better believe it!

(You'd) better get moving
.
an expression encouraging someone to leave.
J
ANE
: It's nearly dark. Better get moving. M
ARY
: Okay. I'm leaving right now
.
B
OB
: I'm off. Good night. B
ILL
: Yes, it's late. You'd better get moving.

(You'd) better mind your Ps and Qs
.
You have to pay attention to details, especially of etiquette. (Older. There are numerous attempts to explain the origin of this phrase, and none is conclusive.)
When you go to the party, mind your Ps and Qs
.
Q: Aunt Clara is such a stickler for manners, isn't she? A: Yes. You really have to mind your Ps and Qs when you're around her.

You'll be sorry you asked
.
The answer to the question you just asked is so bad that you will be sorry you asked it. (Compare to (Are you) sorry you asked?)
F
ATHER
: What are your grades going to be like this semester? S
ALLY
: You'll be sorry you asked
.
M
ARY
: How much did you pay for that lamp? J
ANE
: You'll be sorry you asked.