Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (89 page)

(I) don't believe so
.
Go to I guess not.

I don't believe this
!
This is very strange!; I do not believe that this is happening.
“I don't believe this!” muttered Sally as all the doors in the house slammed at the same time
.
S
ALLY
: You're expected to get here early and make my coffee every morning. J
OHN
: I don't believe this.

I don't care
.
It doesn't matter to me.
M
ARY
: Can I take these papers away? T
OM
: I don't care. Do what you want
.
B
ILL
: Should this room be white or yellow? S
ALLY
: I don't care.

I don't have time to breathe
.
Go to I don't have time to catch my breath.

I don't have time to catch my breath
.
AND
I don't have time to breathe
.
I am very busy.; I have been very busy.
H
ENRY
: I'm so busy these days. I don't have time to catch my breath. R
ACHEL
: Oh, I know what you mean
.
S
UE
: Would you mind finishing this for me? B
ILL
: Sorry, Sue. I'm busy. I don't have time to breathe.

I don't know
.
a common expression of ignorance.
F
ATHER
: Why can't you do better in school? B
ILL
: I don't know
.
B
ILL
: Well, what are we going to do now? S
UE
: I don't know.

I don't love
something. I don't like something. (With an implication that someone's efforts have failed to please as much as had been expected.)
Well, it's a nice house, but I don't love the entrance
.
I don't love this sauce on the chicken.

I don't mean maybe
!
I am very serious about my demand or order.
B
OB
: Do I have to do this? S
UE
: Do it now, and I don't mean maybe!
F
ATHER
: Get this place cleaned up! And I don't mean maybe! J
OHN
: All right! I'll do it!

(I) don't mind if I do
.
Yes, I would like to.
S
ALLY
: Have some more coffee? B
OB
: Don't mind if I do
.
J
ANE
: Here are some lovely roses
.
Would you like to take a few blossoms with you? J
OHN
: I don't mind if I do.