What people say and what they mean

[coriolis]

I found an old yellowed newspaper clipping in a book that I "borrowed" from my mothers bookcase. By the sounds of this, it must be from years and years ago, but it's still good.


What people say and what they really mean

What is your expert opinion of my...?
I've scratched your back and you should scratch mine.

Did you hear the joke about the...?
If you did, don't say anything-just get ready to laugh.

Why, anyone can do it!
I find it simple, therefore it is simple, therefore anyone who isn't a moron can do it.

I'm not suggesting anything
No I'm telling you.

Mind your own business -- or stay out of this.
I'm losing the argument.

How do you like my outfit, my proposal?
Please, reassure me. Don't criticize

You don't think something's happened, do you?
I think something has happened.

It's not the money, it's the principle.
It's the money.

I would never do that.
That frightens me, or I secretly like it and might do it if I had the chance.

If you will grant X,Y and Z, I will...
Play it my way, or I won't play at all.

That's nothing, or -it may interest you...
I'm smarter, richer or better than you.

We're such a happy couple.
It's true; I'm happy and I feel guilty about it' or I'm afraid we're going to split up.

Frankly, I think our demands are not excessive.
I think they are, but will try to get them anyway.

Of course, I wouldn't hold you to those terms.
Yes I would.

When I was your age...
I'm all-wise, indoctrinating and infallible

Boy, do I have a deal for you:
I sure do - a bad one, or I'm not really sure about it.

I'd like to see it done this way.
I'm the only one who thinks around here.

On the whole, or under the circumstances...
I don't have any specific strong point so I'll generalize.

Let me sleep on it
It's not important enough to keep me awake

In view of that fact, or, Considering that
I'm or It's too good to refuse

Of course, I love you but give me a little more time.
I want to shop around

Do you think that we're doing the right thing?
We're not doing the right thing.

Are you getting anything out of this?
I'm not getting anything out of this but I don't want to appear stupid.

Would you like me a bit more if...?
Please, approve of me.

I really can't stay
I want to stay all night.

I can't go there, looking like this.
Don't make me clean up.

I'll never speak to you again
Make me talk.

Is that clear? Okay?
I doubt you are capable of understanding

I was just going to say...
I wasn't going to say that at all.

Would you rather I leave now?
I've stayed too long, but I don't know how to go.

I really should go on a diet
But I won't

I don't want to be nosy but...
Come clean

She died so young
Now, I feel insecure

[Bobbie Lee]

I can't go there, looking like this.
Don't make me clean up.

I need that one a few times a week!

[arkess7]

Those are good!