Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (84 page)

I can accept that
.
I accept your evaluation as valid.
B
OB
: Now, you'll probably like doing the other job much better. It doesn't call for you to do the things you don't do well. T
OM
: I can accept that
.
S
UE
: On your evaluation this time, I noted that you need to work on telephone manners a little bit. B
ILL
: I can accept that.

I can live with that
.
That is something I can get used to.; That is all right as far as I'm concerned.
S
UE
: I want to do this room in green. B
ILL
: I can live with that
.
C
LERK
: This one will cost twelve dollars more. B
OB
: I can live with that. I'll take it.

(I) can too
.
You are wrong, I can.; Don't say I can't, because I can! (The response to (You) can't!)
S
UE
: I'm going to the party. M
OTHER
: You can't. S
UE
: I can too. M
OTHER
: Cannot! S
UE
: Can too!
“Can too!” protested Fred. “I can, if you can!
”

I can't accept that
.
I do not believe what you said.; I reject what you said.
S
UE
: The mechanic says we need a whole new engine. J
OHN
: What? I can't accept that!
T
OM
: You're now going to work on the night shift. You don't seem to be able to get along with some of the people on the day shift. B
OB
: I can't accept that. It's them, not me.

(I) can't argue with that
.
I agree with what you said.; It sounds like a good idea.
T
OM
: This sure is good cake. B
OB
: Can't argue with that
.
S
UE
: What do you say we go for a swim? F
RED
: I can't argue with that.

(I) can't beat that
.
AND
(I) can't top that
.
I cannot do better than that.; I cannot exceed that.
H
ENRY
: That was really great. I can't beat that. R
ACHEL
: Yes, that was really good
.
“What a great joke! I can't top that,” said Kate, still laughing.