Read Webster's New World American Idioms Handbook Online
Authors: Gail Brenner
Webster's New World American Idioms Handbook (45 page)
never hurts to ask
that one should ask for what one wants, even if the answer might be no because the request or wish will definitely not happen if the request is not made ♦
I’m going to call and find out if this bill is right. It
never hurts to ask. ♦
She might say no to your request, but it
never hurts to ask.
I never!
an exclamation to show disgust or insult. This is short for “I’ve never heard” or “I’ve never experienced anything like this.” ♦
Well
I never!
That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.
♦
How insulting!
I never!
never mind
forget it; it’s not important; don’t trouble yourself ♦
If you didn’t hear me,
never mind.
It wasn’t important.
♦ Never mind
about the dishes. I’ll do them later.
never say die
keep trying; keep hoping; don’t give up. Usually said with mock seriousness. ♦
If you can’t figure something out,
never say die.
Try it again.
♦
We’re stuck in a ditch, but
never say die.
We’ll get out.
never too late
some opportunities are always there. This expression is usually said as encouragement for people to do something that perhaps they should have done sooner. ♦
You can go back to school at any age now. It’s
never too late. ♦
It’s
never too late
to build a closer relationship with your family.
Nothing
The word
nothing
within an idiom generally means not anything, as in
nothing short of,
or implies zero, as in
count for nothing
.
Nothing
is generally followed by a prepositional phrase (
nothing to it)
or an adjective (
nothing flat)
. The following idiomatic expressions are listed in alphabetical order:
come to nothing
be unsuccessful or unfruitful. Also sometimes said as
come to naught.
♦
All of our efforts to advise him have
come to nothing.
He’s going to do what he wants to do.
♦
Our work on this project has
come to nothing.
They cancelled the contract.
count for nothing
worthless; of no value ♦
His medical license from his country
counted for nothing
when he came here. So he had to start over again in medical school.
♦
He thinks I never help him. Does it
count for nothing
that I often loan him money?
get by on nothing
to manage to live on very little money ♦
We
got by on nothing,
but we had a lot of love.
♦
Many elderly people are trying to
get by on nothing.
here goes nothing
said before trying something that one is anxious about or doesn’t expect to be successful. This expression is an extension of
here goes!
♦
Well,
here goes nothing.
I’m going to call her for a date.
♦
I’ve never tried surfing before, so
here goes nothing.
in nothing flat
instantly, immediately, and without delay; with no problem ♦
Don’t worry. I can fix your tire in
nothing flat. ♦ S
he can fix a delicious meal in
nothing flat.
How does she do it?
Nothing but . . .
The expression
nothing but
followed by a superlative, like
nothing but the best,
or by a noun, like
nothing but trouble, nothing but work,
and so on, means “only” or “exclusively.” So, saying that something was
nothing but trouble
means that it was a lot of trouble.
Nothing but the best
means only the best and nothing else. Here are some examples:
- All parents want
nothing but
the best for their children. - That car has been
nothing but
trouble since we bought it! - You’ve done
nothing but
work all weekend. Take a break. - That café serves
nothing but
salads and sandwiches.
nothing doing
definitely no; not a chance; I won’t do it; I won’t let you do that ♦ Nothing doing!
I’m not loaning you my car.
♦
She wanted to do all of the party preparations, but I said,
“Nothing doing!
We’re going to help you.”
nothing like it
unusual; extraordinary; the best. Literally,
nothing like it
means that nothing is similar, but the idiom
nothing like it
means “it’s great,” “it’s the best.” ♦
If you’ve never tried river rafting, you should. There’s
nothing like it! ♦
“Being in love is great,” he said. “There’s
nothing like it!”
nothing short of
equal to; the same as; not less than ♦
Her recovery is
nothing short of
a miracle.
♦
His speech was
nothing short of
political propaganda.
nothing to do with
to not associate with; to ignore. Usually said as to
have nothing to do with
or to
want nothing to do with.
♦
They’ll
have nothing to do with
him since he kicked their dog.
♦
I
want nothing to do with
your crazy money-making schemes.
nothing to it
it’s easy; simple to do; not difficult ♦
My grandkids say there’s
nothing to it,
but I still can’t work a computer.
♦
Sewing is easy. There’s really
nothing to it
if you just follow the pattern.
nothing to write home about
not very interesting, exciting, or newsworthy. Literally, it’s not interesting enough to tell the family about. ♦
The new job is okay, but it’s
nothing to write home about. ♦
We’ve dated a few times, but it’s
nothing to write home about.
We’re just casual friends.
stop at nothing
will not be stopped; will do everything necessary to reach one’s goals. Sometimes implies doing something illegal or unethical to get what one wants. ♦
The police say they will
stop at nothing
to catch the kidnapper.
♦
If he wants the position, he’ll
stop at nothing
to get it.
sweet nothings
words of love between sweethearts ♦
Their letters were filled with
sweet nothings. ♦
He whispered
sweet nothings
to her in front of the fire.
[See
sweet nothings
and other love words in Chapter 8.]
think nothing of it
don’t worry about it; said when something was or can be done easily without giving it much thought or concern. Often said in response to “Thank you.” ♦
Adrian: How can I thank you? Jerry:
Think nothing of it.
It’s my pleasure.
♦
They
think nothing of
spending $200 for a meal.
♦
At 60 she’s so healthy, she
thinks nothing of
hiking all day.
[See Chapter 16 for more expressions using negative words.]
CHAPTER 17
QUESTION WORD IDIOMS
A number of common idiomatic expressions begin with or include the question words
what, when, where, why, who,
and
how.
Most of these expressions are said as questions or mock questions, such as
Who knew? Why not?
and
What’s it to you?
Others are exclamations, like
How nice!
or
That’s why!
Where
and
when
are often used in longer phrases, such as
when all is said and done.
You’ll find all of these expressions within this chapter, along with many more, all of which are organized by question word.
Idioms That Use
What
Many idiomatic expressions with
what
have similar meanings and uses. The sections that follow group together those idioms with similar meanings.
Using
What
to Ask What’s Happening
When people ask
What’s cooking?
they may not be inquiring about dinner. The idiom
What’s cooking?
and the ones in the following list mean “What is happening?” or “What are you doing?”
What’s up?
What’s going on?
What’s new?
People use these expressions as greetings when they get together or meet casually. The typical response to one of these expressions is something like “Not much,” “Nothing much,” or “Nothing,” followed by some information on what’s happening at the moment or what has been happening lately. Occasionally people start right in talking about what’s happening without the usual “Nothing” or “Not much.”
Here are some examples of these expressions in context:
Hi Janie. Nice to see you.
What’s new?
Nothing much. How about you?
Hey Chuck.
What’s cooking?
Not much. Just waiting for Joanne.
What’s up
with you guys?
We’re here looking for a gift for my brother’s birthday.
Using
What
to Mean Why Do You Care?
A number of expressions with
what
mean “Why do you care about it?” or “Why are you concerned or interested?” They are used to imply “It’s not your concern or business,” and they are often said rudely, as a challenge. The expressions are as follows:
What’s it to you?
What do you care?
What about it?
What of it?
The following conversation shows the expressions
what’s it to somebody?
and
what does somebody care?
in context:
Dan: Ted wants to know how we spent our bonus.
Alice: That’s our business.
What’s it to him?
Dan: Exactly!
What does he care?
Whatever
Whatever
has become a versatile idiom with a number of handy uses. It’s often used as a reply meaning “It doesn’t matter to me” when someone asks for your preference. It’s also put at the end of a list of choices to mean “or something else.” Here are a few examples:
Emily: Which of these movies do you want to see? Bev:
Whatever.
We can go for a hike, go down to the beach,
or whatever.
If you want we can use my car,
or whatever.
Whatever
is also used as a scornful way of dismissing something a person says or does. It can mean “forget it” or “you’re hopeless.” For example:
Damian: Hey, don’t mess around with my car!
Paul:
Whatever.
Here is another example:
Todd: No! I don’t want to wash the dishes!
Dad:
Whatever,
but you won’t get your allowance this week.
The next conversation shows
what’s it to you?
and
what of it?
in context:
Rachael: Hey, did Mom buy you that CD?
Claire: Yeah,
what’s it to you?
Rachael: So, I didn’t get one.
Claire:
What of it?
She bought you the book you wanted.
The expression
what about it?
has two common meanings: In addition to meaning “Why do you care?” it can also mean “Okay? Are you agreeable?” The following examples show these meanings in context:
Kristin: Dad gave you $5?
Adam: So?
What about it?
I earned it.
Leslie: Let’s go to Mexico for our vacation. Okay?
What about it?
Jessica: Great idea!
So what?
is an idiom that is related to
what’s it to you?
and the other idioms meaning “Why do you care?”
So what
means “Why should I care?” This expression is very common, and can be rude or just conversational, depending on the context and how it’s said.
Larry: I spent a lot of money on this tie.
Rebecca:
So what?
It’s ugly. Don’t wear it.
Carmelita: Hey, you’re using my pen!
Stephen:
So what?
You weren’t using it.
People often just say
so?
as a shortened form of
so what?
Emily: I want to watch
Friends.
Alice:
So?
I hate that show.
What the Heck . . .!?
and Related Idioms
A number of idiomatic expressions with
what
mean “What’s the problem?”, “What’s happening here?”, or “What is this?!” The following expressions can show surprise, curiosity, or annoyance, depending on the context:
What gives?
What in the world . . .?
What in the heck . . .?
(the word
in
is optional: “What the heck?”)
What in the hell . . .?
(the word
in
is optional: “What the hell?”)
What the . . .?
Here are some examples:
- What in the world
happened to you?! You’re all scratched up! - What in the heck
did I do with my car keys? I can’t find them, and I have to leave for work. - What the hell?!
You can’t do that! - Tiffany:
What the . . .?
What is that? Sarah: It’s a huge bug! Gross!
Note:
What in the hell . . .?
is often used to show frustration or anger. The word “hell” is offensive to some people and too informal for many situations, so it is often shortened to the odd,
What the . . .?
which is acceptable in any context.
What gives?
is sometimes used to express suspicion that something secretive is happening. The following examples show this idiom in context:
- Hey
, what gives
with her? Why is she so angry? - Come on,
what gives?
I know there’s something you’re not telling me.
Other
What
Expressions
The following are some other very common idiomatic expressions with
what:
What do you know!
means “That’s surprising!” or “That’s good news”; also used to show mock surprise ♦
Well,
what do you know!
You’re on time for once.
♦
Hey,
what do you know.
Someone found my lost wallet with all the money and credit cards still inside!
What for?
means “Why?” Used as a response to a statement or request ♦
Chad: Hey, come here a minute. Lisa:
What for? ♦
Sam: Dad, could I borrow some money from you? Dad:
What for?
what not (
or
what have you)
said at the end of a list of things (or just one thing) to mean “and things like that” or “and related activities” ♦
On the holidays we’ll visit the relatives and
what not. ♦
He needs to buy some school supplies: a notebook, paper, and
what have you.
What’s up with that?!
means “What is the reason or purpose of that?!” or “That’s no good!” Usually said in frustration or to show displeasure. ♦
She won’t give you back your photographs?
What’s up with that?! ♦
Hey, the bank is closed already!
What’s up with that?!
They must have changed their hours.
What’s up with . . .?
means “What is the problem with something?” or “What is the reason for something?”; can also mean “What’s happening with something?” or “What’s the progress?” Generally said to express interest, curiosity, or to get information. ♦
Shawn: Hey,
what’s up with
your arm? Darrell: I hurt it playing basketball, and I have to wear this sling for a few days.
♦ What’s up with
that funny hat? It’s not Halloween!
♦ What’s up with
the beach party? Is it still going to happen?
What’s with someone?
means “What is the problem with someone?” or “What’s wrong with someone?” Used to ask why someone is upset, irritable, or angry; also
what’s up with someone.
♦ What’s with him?
Why is he so upset?
♦ What’s with you?
You’ve been irritable all day.
what’s what
the important facts about a thing; the way that things truly are; usually said as to
know what’s what,
which means to fully understand or know what’s happening, or to be savvy and informed about something ♦
Please explain the problem to me. I need to know
what’s what
before I take any action.
♦
It will take awhile to learn
what’s what
in your new position.
Idioms That Use
When
Most idiomatic expressions with
when
either introduce an adverb clause, as in
when all is said and done,
or are shortened versions of adverb clauses, as in
say when
(say when I should stop).
say when
means “Tell me when to stop.” Said when serving someone food or drink, but also used in other contexts. ♦
I don’t know how much wine you want, so
say when. ♦
Here. Let me put some sunscreen in your hand.
Say when.
Note:
In response to
say when,
people often say, playfully, “When!”
Since when?
1.
means “How long has it been happening?” or “When did it happen?” ♦
Jesse: The old art theater closed. Allen: Really?
Since when?
2.
“I don’t believe it.” Used to show disagreement or surprise, or to challenge someone’s statement ♦
Ken: I’m a very serious student. Ross: Ha!
Since when?
You nearly failed last semester.
when all is said and done
in the end, ultimately; in spite of everything ♦ When all is said and done,
we have a lot to be thankful for in our lives.
♦
We had some bad weather, but
when all was said and done,
it was a fantastic trip.
when in Rome . . .
the beginning of a saying that means to follow local customs or trends; to follow what others in the group are doing ♦
When I went to Iran with my friend, she didn’t want to eat any of the local food, but I said
“When in Rome . . .”
and she was willing to try it.
♦
I wouldn’t normally go to a public bath, but
when in Rome. . . .
Note:
This idiom is short for “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This saying is so well known that it is usually shortened to simply
when in Rome.
when it comes to
regarding, concerning ♦ When it comes to
good cooking, my dad’s the best!
♦
You can’t be apathetic
when it comes to
your health.
when it comes down to it
in the end, ultimately; “If you want to know my true feelings. . . .”; used in a similar way to
when it comes to;
often said as
when it comes right down to it.
♦ When it comes down to it,
I’ll probably lend him the money if he needs it.
♦ When it comes
right
down to it,
I’d really rather stay home for the holidays.
when the dust settles
when things return to normal, when everything calms down. Also said as
until
or
after
or
before the dust settles.
♦
They’ve just moved into their new home. So,
when the dust settles,
we’ll go visit them.
♦ When the dust settles
from the merger, you can take some time off.
Idioms That Use
Where
Idiomatic expressions that begin with
where
either form a complete question, such as
Where’s the fire?,
or introduce an adverb clause, as in
where one stands.
Where’s the fire?
means “Why are you in such a hurry?”; implies that the person is running to put out a fire ♦
Hey,
where’s the fire?
There’s no need to run.
♦
Ben:
Where’s the fire?
Chris: I’m late to work!
Where have
you
been?
means “Why don’t you know about this?” or “Everyone else knows. Why are you so uninformed?” Implies that one has been gone while things continue to happen; also can be phrased
where have I been?
or
where has he
or
she been?
and so on. ♦
Rene: Michael Jackson has children?! Ellie: Geez,
where have you been? ♦
Joan: They closed that restaurant a year ago. Didn’t you know? Gail: Well,
where have I been?
Note:
To convey the correct meaning, emphasize the pronoun:
you, I,
and so on.