Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (51 page)

Fine by me
.
Go to (That's) fine with me.

Fine with me
.
Go to (That's) fine with me.

first of all
first and perhaps most important.
“First of all, let me say how happy I am to be here,” said Fred, beginning his speech
.
H
ENRY
: How much is all this going to cost, Doctor? D
OCTOR
: First of all, do you have any insurance?

Fire away
!
Start doing something, especially to ask questions! (As if giving soldiers the instructions to start firing.)
A
NDY
: Dad, do you mind if I ask you a few questions? F
ATHER
: Fire away!
I
DA
: The mayor will now take a few questions from reporters. M
AYOR
: Fire away!

Flattery will get you nowhere
.
You can praise me, but I'm not going to give you what you want.
A: You are beautiful and talented. B: Flattery will get you nowhere, but keep talking
.
Flattery will get you nowhere, but that doesn't mean you should stop flattering me!

Floor it
!
Go to Punch it!

for all intents and purposes
seeming as if; looking as if.
Tom stood there, looking, for all intents and purposes, as if he were going to strangle Sally, but, being the gentleman that he is, he just glowered
.
M
ARY
: Is this finished now? J
OHN
: For all intents and purposes, yes.

For crying in a bucket
!
Go to For crying out loud!

For crying out loud
!
AND
For crying in a bucket
!
an exclamation of shock, anger, or surprise.
F
RED
: For crying out loud! Answer the telephone! B
OB
: But it's always for you!
J
OHN
: Good grief! What am I going to do? This is the end! S
UE
: For crying in a bucket! What's wrong?

for free
for no charge or cost; free of any cost.
They let us into the movie for free
.
I will let you have a sample of the candy for free.

(For) goodness sake(s)
!
Go to (Goodness) sakes alive!