* 17 Particular Conversational Matters (p.7 of 9)
17.40 When you suggest that a person should not avoid work
A little work never hurt anyone. Listen A “A little piece of work never injured anybody, so do this job.” <“Son, take a shovel and clear the driveway from the snow. A little work never hurt anyone.”>
God helps those who help themselves. Listen A “Rely on yourself, and God will help you.” <“My daughter, you can’t spend years waiting for a perfect husband to find you. God helps those who help themselves.”>
17.41 When you suggest that a big job should be done collectively
Many hands make light work. Listen A “Many workers make work lighter.” <“Hey, guys, why don’t you help me unload the truck? Many hands make light work.”>
17.42 When you ask a person to be careful with the thing you have lent to them
I'm trusting you to take good care of it. Listen <“My turtle likes fresh cabbage and celery. I’m trusting you to take good care of it.”>
Take good care of it. Listen <“Eat as much fruit from my little garden as you can. Don’t forget to water it regularly. Take good care of it.”>
Take care of it. Listen <“I’m leaving now. I hope you will enjoy your stay in my house. Take care of it. I’ll be back in a month.”>
Bring it back in one piece. Listen <“You can take my bicycle. Bring it back in one piece.”>
I want it back in one piece. Listen <“Here’s my car. I want it back in one piece.”>
Keep an eye on it. Listen <“You can drive my motor scooter to the store. Keep an eye on it, though.”>
17.43 When a person is selfish or callous
Do you have no thought for anyone but yourself? Listen <“I have interests and aspirations of my own. Do you have no thought for anyone but yourself?”>
You're heartless. Listen <“I asked you for a little money, and you turned me down. You’re heartless.”>
You've got no heart. Listen <“The negligent way you treat people amazes me. You’ve got no heart. Don’t be surprised when people pay you back in your own coin.”>
You've got a heart of stone. Listen <“I don’t want to talk with you anymore. You’ve got a heart of stone.”>
You're thick-skinned. Listen <“I asked you for a little help. I never received it. You’re thick-skinned.”>
You're cold-blooded. Listen <“I begged you when I needed your help. I got no response. You’re cold-blooded.”>
You're as cold as ice. Listen <“I waited for you when I needed you most. You never showed up. You’re cold as ice.”>
You're a cold fish. Listen <“You don’t love anybody. You’re a cold fish.”>
Do you have no conscience? Listen <“You can’t steal from your relatives. Do you have no conscience?”>
Don’t you have any scruples? Listen <“You are flirting with your husband’s brother! Don’t you have any scruples?”>
17.44 When a person is rigid in character
He's as stubborn as a bull. Listen <“He is a solitary man living according to his own rules. He is stubborn as a bull.”>
He's set in his ways. Listen <“In business my boss follows certain principles. He is set in his ways.”>
You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Listen <“She is too old to use a cell phone. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”>
A leopard can't change his spots. Listen <“He has been a jealous husband for all of his life. His wife is an elderly lady now, but he is still suspicious of other men. A leopard can’t change his spots.”>
Old habits die hard. Listen <“The doctor told him to quit smoking, but he sometimes enjoys an occasional cigar. Obviously, old habits die hard.”>
17.45 When you don't want a person to hurt somebody
Think before you speak. Listen <“Your sister is very vulnerable, and you can be rude sometimes. Think before you speak.”>
Think before you act. Listen <“In the summer camp you will live side by side with other children. Try to get along with them. Think before you act.”>
17.46 When you explain your actions
Put yourself in my shoes. Listen <“I made the only right decision in that situation. Put yourself in my shoes. You would have done the same.”>
I didn’t have another choice. Listen <“I was forced to vote against your proposal. I didn’t have another choice.”>
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