Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (92 page)

I had a lovely time
.
AND
We had a lovely time
.
a polite expression of thanks to a host or hostess.
F
RED
: Good-bye. I had a lovely time. B
ILL
: Nice to have you. Do come again
.
J
ANE
: We had a lovely time. M
ARY
: Thank you and thanks for coming.

(I) had a nice time
.
the standard “good-bye and thank you” said to a host or hostess by a departing guest.
J
OHN
: Thank you. I had a nice time. S
ALLY
: Don't stay away so long next time. Bye
.
M
ARY
: Had a nice time. Bye. Got to run. S
UE
: Bye. Drive safely.

(I) had it on the tip of my tongue
.
I just now remembered the information but forgot it just as I started to say it.
Sorry. I know your name. I had it on the tip of my tongue
.
This is called a, well, uh—had it on the tip of my tongue.

(I) hate to eat and run
.
an apology made by someone who must leave a social event soon after eating.
B
ILL
: Well, I hate to eat and run, but it's getting late. S
UE
: Oh, you don't have to leave, do you? B
ILL
: I think I really must
.
M
ARY
: Oh, my goodness! I hate to eat and run, but I have to catch an early plane tomorrow. B
OB
: Do you have to go? M
ARY
: Afraid so.

I have better things to do
.
Go to (I've) (got) better things to do.

(I have) no problem with that
.
That is okay with me. (See also (That causes) no problem.)
B
OB
: Is it okay if I sign us up for the party? S
ALLY
: I have no problem with that
.
B
ILL
: It looks as though we will have to come back later. They're not open yet. Is that all right? J
ANE
: No problem with that. When do they open?

(I have) nothing to complain about
.
Go to (I) can't complain.

(I) have to be moving along
.
AND
(I) have to move along
.
It is time for me to leave.
B
ILL
: Bye, now. Have to be moving along. S
ALLY
: See you later
.
R
ACHEL
: I have to be moving along. See you later. A
NDREW
: Bye, now
.
S
ALLY
: It's late. I have to move along. M
ARY
: If you must. Good-bye. See you tomorrow.