Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (53 page)

for what it's worth
a phrase added to a piece of information suggesting that the information may or may not be useful.
M
ARY
: What do you think about it, Fred? F
RED
: Well, let me tell you something, for what it's worth
.
J
OHN
: For what it's worth, you're doing great! S
UE
: Thanks! It's worth a lot!

for your information
a phrase that introduces or follows a piece of information. (Can be spoken with considerable impatience.)
MARY
: What is this one? S
UE
: For your information, it is exactly the same as the one you just asked about
.
B
OB
: How long do I have to wait here? B
ILL
: For your information, we will be here until the bus driver feels that it is safe to travel.

Forget (about) it! 1
.
Drop the subject!; Never mind!; Don't bother me with it.
J
ANE
: Then, there's this matter of the unpaid bills. B
ILL
: Forget it!
S
ALLY
: What's this I hear about you and Tom? S
UE
: Forget about it!
2
.
Nothing.
S
UE
: What did you say? M
ARY
: Forget it!
T
OM
: Now I'm ready to go. S
UE
: Excuse me? T
OM
: Oh, nothing. Just forget it
.
3
.
You're welcome.; It was nothing.
J
OHN
: Thank you so much for helping me! B
ILL
: Oh, forget it!
B
OB
: We're all very grateful to you for coming into work today. M
ARY
: Forget about it! No problem!

'Fraid not
.
Go to (I'm) afraid not.

'Fraid so
.
Go to (I'm) afraid so.

frankly
Go to (Speaking) (quite) frankly.

Fret not
!
Don't worry!; Do not fret about it!
M
ARY
: Oh, look at the clock! I'm going to be late for my appointment! B
OB
: Fret not! I'll drive you
.
“Fret not!” said Sally. “We're almost there!
”