Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (255 page)

Your secret is safe with me
.
I will not tell your secret to anyone.
Don't worry. I won't tell. Your secret's safe with me
.
Your secret is safe with me. I will carry it to my grave.

You're dern tootin'
!
You are absolutely right! (Colloquial and folksy. Never the full form
tooting
.)
T
OM
: Are you really going to take up boxing? B
OB
: You're dern tootin'!
F
ATHER
: Do you really want to buy that droopy-looking puppy? B
ILL
: You're dern tootin'!

You're excused. 1
.
You may leave the room, the table, etc. (Said in response to Could I be excused?)
M
OTHER
: Are you finished, Tom? T
OM
: Yes, ma'am. M
OTHER
: You're excused
.
B
ILL
(raising his hand): Can I leave the room? I have to go get my books off my bike. T
EACHER
: You're excused. B
ILL
: Thanks
.
2
.
You must leave the room or the premises. (Typically said at the end of a scolding.)
F
ATHER
: I've heard quite enough of this nonsense, Tom. You're excused. T
OM
: Sorry
.
A
NDREW
: That is the end of this conversation. You're excused. B
OB
: But, there's more
.
3
.
You are forgiven for belching or for some other breach of strict etiquette. (Said in response to Excuse me.)
T
OM
(after belching): Excuse me. F
ATHER
: You're excused
.
S
ALLY
: Excuse me for being so noisy. M
OTHER
: You're excused.

You're (just) wasting my time
.
What you have to say is of no interest to me.
R
ACHEL
: I've heard enough. You're just wasting my time. Good-bye. M
ARY
: If that's the way you feel about it, good-bye
.
B
ILL
: Come on, Bill. I'll show you what I mean. B
ILL
: No, you're wasting my time.

You're on
!
Your bet, challenge, or invitation is accepted.
Q: What about a few beers at the club? A: You're on!
Q: I think we can do it. Want to try? A: You're on!