Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (88 page)

(I) couldn't help it
.
There was no way I could prevent it.; I was unable to prevent something from happening.; I was unable to control myself.
S
ALLY
: You let the paint dry with brush marks in it. M
ARY
: I couldn't help it. The telephone rang
.
F
RED
: You got fingerprints all over the window. M
ARY
: Sorry. Couldn't help it.

I didn't catch the name
.
AND
I didn't catch your name
.
I don't remember your name from when I heard it.; I didn't hear your name when we were introduced.
B
ILL
: How do you like this weather? B
OB
: It's not too good. By the way, I didn't catch your name. I'm Bob Wilson. B
ILL
: I'm Bill Franklin. B
OB
: Nice to meet you, Bill
.
B
OB
: Sorry, I didn't catch the name. B
ILL
: It's Bill, Bill Franklin. And you? B
OB
: I'm Bob Wilson.

I didn't catch your name
.
Go to I didn't catch the name.

I didn't get that
.
Go to I didn't (quite) catch that (last) remark.

I didn't (quite) catch that (last) remark
.
AND
I didn't get that.; I didn't hear you
.
I didn't hear what you said, so would you please repeat it.
J
OHN
: What did you say? I didn't quite catch that last remark. J
ANE
: I said it's really a hot day
.
B
ILL
: Have a nice time, if you can. S
ALLY
: I didn't get that. B
ILL
: Have a nice time! Enjoy!

I (do) declare
!
I am surprised to hear that! (Old-fashioned.)
M
ARY
: I'm the new president of my sorority! G
RANDMOTHER
: I declare! That's very nice
.
A plane had landed right in the middle of the cornfield. The old farmer shook his head in disbelief. “I do declare!” he said over and over as he walked toward the plane.

I don't believe it
!
an expression of amazement and disbelief.
B
OB
: Tom was just elected president of the trade association! M
ARY
: I
don't believe it!
B
OB
: They're going to build a Disney World in Moscow. S
ALLY
: I don't believe it!

(I) don't believe I've had the pleasure
.
an expression meaning
I haven't met you yet
.
T
OM
: I'm Tom Thomas. I don't believe I've had the pleasure. B
ILL
: Hello. I'm Bill Franklin. T
OM
: Nice to meet you, Bill. B
ILL
: Likewise
.
B
OB
: Looks like rain. F
RED
: Sure does. Oh, I don't believe I've had the pleasure. B
OB
: I'm Bob, Bob Jones. F
RED
: My name is Fred Wilson. Glad to meet you.