Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (61 page)

go
someone
one better
AND
do
someone
one better
to do better than someone else; to top or beat someone at one thing.
That is quite an experience, but I can go you one better
.
Q: Who could possibly throw the ball farther than I did? A: I think I can do you one better.

go the extra mile
to try harder to please someone or to get the task done correctly; to do more than one is required to do to reach a goal.
I like doing business with that company. They always go the extra mile
.
My teacher goes the extra mile to help us.

God forbid
!
a phrase expressing a desire that God should prevent the situation that the speaker has just mentioned from ever happening.
T
OM
: It looks like taxes are going up again. B
OB
: God forbid!
B
OB
: Bill was in a car wreck. I hope he wasn't hurt! S
UE
: God forbid!

God only knows
!
No one knows but God.
T
OM
: How long is all this going to take? A
LICE
: God only knows!
B
OB
: Where are we going to find one hundred thousand dollars? M
ARY
: God only knows!

God willing
.
an expression indicating that there is a high certainty that something will happen, so high that only God could prevent it.
J
OHN
: Please try to be on time. A
LICE
: I'll be there on time, God willing
.
B
OB
: Will I see you after your vacation? M
ARY
: Of course, God willing.

Going my way?
Go to (Are you) going my way?

Golly
!
an expression of surprise or interest.
A
LICE
: Golly, is it real? M
ARY
: Of course it's real!
J
ANE
: Look at the size of that fish! S
UE
: Golly!

(Good) afternoon. 1
.
the appropriate polite greeting for use between noon and supper time.
S
ALLY
: How are you today? J
ANE
: Good afternoon. How are you? S
ALLY
: Fine, thank you
.
B
OB
: Afternoon. Nice to see you. B
ILL
: Good afternoon. How are you? B
OB
: Fine, thanks
.
2
.
an expression used on departure or for dismissal between noon and supper time. (Meaning “I wish you a good afternoon.”)
S
ALLY
: See you later, Bill. B
ILL
: Afternoon. See you later
.
M
ARY
: Nice to see you. T
OM
: Good afternoon. Take care.