SPOKEN ENGLISH

YOU BEAT IT/THAT?

used as an ironic/humorous comment on a somewhat unexpected used for showing that you are surprised about something
statement. There was a cat with ten kittens – can you beat that?
On the way home I fell asleep in John's car, as you do. They’ve got eight children! Can you beat that?
I was memorising the dictionary, as you do, when I ...
OFF IT! THAT!
used to tell someone that you do not believe what they are saying is used to comment on something that is hard to imagine
true, or that you strongly disagree with them: The baby she brought home was the wrong one." "Fancy that!
Ask Simon to cook the meal? Come off it, he can hardly boil an egg! ‘The Petersons are getting divorced.’ ‘Fancy that!’
Come off it, you're being silly!
FORBID! / HEAVEN FORBID!
said when you are annoyed, and to emphasize what you are saying: a way of saying that you hope something does not happen:
Oh, for crying out loud, just listen to me! God forbid (that) his parents should ever find out.
Heaven forbid that something bad should happen.
(GOOD) ! | OH LORD! ME! / MY GOODNESS!
used to express surprise, shock, or worry: used for showing that you are surprised
Good Lord, what have you done to your hair Goodness me! You’ve grown!
Oh Lord! I've forgotten the tickets! My goodness, it’s warm in here!
Good Lord! Is that the time?
HOW DO LIKE THAT? I'LL ! informal
used for emphasis to show surprise or disapproval used to show that you agree very strongly with what has been said:
He's moving to Hawaii? Well, how do you like that! "Does he eat a lot?" "I'll say!"
She canceled at the last minute. How do you like that? Was there a big argument?’ ‘I’ll say!’
ISN’T SOMETHING? LO BEHOLD (humorous)
used to indicate surprise or affirmation used for calling attention to a surprising or annoying thing
We just put a man on the moon. ~ Isn't that something! As soon as we went out, lo and behold, it began to rain.
He just told me he's getting married. ~ Isn't that something! We had just been talking about John when, lo and behold, he
walked into the room.
OH DEAR! / ME!/DEARIE ME! OH, BOTHER! / BOTHER!
used in expressions of anger, disappointment, sadness, or surprise: used to express anger:
Oh dear! I've lost my keys again. Oh bother! It's raining and I left my umbrella at home.
Dear me, it's already 4.30 and I said I'd be home by 5.00! Bother! I've left my wallet at home.
RATHER THAN ME SHAME ON YOU
said by someone who does not want to do the thing that someone you should feel ashamed of what you have done:
else is doing: I can't believe you lied to her - shame on you!
"I'm having two teeth out next week." "Rather you than me." Shame on you, Fred. I thought you were my friend!
“I have a date with Joe tonight.” “Rather you than me.”
, THERE! (WELL) I’LL BE DAMNED!
something you say to comfort someone, especially a child: an expression of complete surprise
There, there, don't cry. She’s marrying a man who she met two months ago?
There, there, don’t get so upset! – Well, I’ll be damned!
, I NEVER! WHO CAN SAY (…)?
used in speech to express surprise or shock about something used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question
They're getting married. Well, I never! Who can say what will happen next year?
Well I never! I wouldn’t have thought she was that old!
WHO’S TO SAY (…)? WOULDN’T YOU KNOW (IT)!
used to say that something might happen or might have happened in used to say that something is not at all surprising
a particular way, because nobody really knows I was told in no uncertain terms that Helen, wouldn’t you know it,
Who's to say we would not have succeeded if we'd had more time? didn’t approve.
YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN YOU DON'T SAY!
I agree with you completely used either to express surprise or lack of surprise in a humorous and
‘He's in a bad mood today.’ ‘You can say that again!’ slightly unkind way:
"It's hot!" "You can say that again." "He's lost his job." "You don't say!"
‘They left without us.’ ‘You don't say!’ (= I'm not surprised)
YOU SAID IT! (informal) YOU'RE TELLING ME!
used to agree with somebody when they say sth about themselves used to say that you strongly agree with what sb has just said:
that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself "Stephen's in such a bad mood today." "You're telling me!"
"How stupid of me to lend him that money!" "You said it!" ‘He’s such a pain to live with.’ ‘You’re telling me!’