Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (33 page)

(Do) have some more
.
an invitation to take more of something, usually food or drink.
B
ILL
: Wow, Mrs. Franklin, this scampi is great! S
ALLY
: Thank you, Bill. Do have some more
.
J
ANE
: What a lovely, light cake. M
ARY
: Oh, have some more. Otherwise the boys will just wolf it down.

Do I have to paint (you) a picture?
Go to Do I have to spell it out (for you)?

Do I have to spell it out (for you)?
AND
Do I have to paint (you) a picture?
What do I have to do to make this clear enough for you to understand? (Shows impatience.)
M
ARY
: I don't think I understand what you're trying to tell me, Fred. F
RED
: Do I have to spell it out for you? M
ARY
: I guess so. F
RED
: We're through, Mary
.
S
ALLY
: Would you please go over the part about the square root again? M
ARY
: Do I have to paint you a picture? Pay attention!

Do I make myself (perfectly) clear?
Do you understand exactly what I mean? (Very stern.)
M
OTHER
: You're going to sit right here and finish that homework. Do I make myself perfectly clear? C
HILD
: Yes, ma'am
.
S
UE
: No, the answer is no! Do I make myself clear? B
ILL
: Are you sure?

do pretty well for
oneself to make a good salary; to hold a well-paying job. (
Oneself
can be replaced by any of the reflexives:
myself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourself, themselves
.)
Q: Have you seen Don's new car? He traded in last year's model. A: I guess he's doing pretty well for himself
.
Our company is doing pretty well for itself, considering the recession.

Do sit down
.
Don't stand on ceremony.; Please sit down. (A polite phrase encouraging people to resume their seats after rising for an introduction or out of deference.)
Tom rose when Mary approached the table, but she said graciously, “Do sit down. I just wanted to thank you again for the lovely gift.
”
T
OM
(entering the room): Hello, Bill. B
ILL
(rising): Hi, Tom. T
OM
(still standing): Do sit down. I just wanted to say hello.

do
someone
one better
Go to go someone one better.

do
something
in a heartbeat
to do something almost immediately.
If I had the money, I would go back to college in a heartbeat.
Just tell me that you need me, and I'll come there in a heartbeat.