Ñèñòåìà Orphus

17                                             Everyday Conversational Expressions                           Particular Conversational Matters p.7

 

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* 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.”>

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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.”>

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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?”>

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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.”>

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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.”>

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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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