Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (133 page)

I've had a lovely time
.
AND
We've had a lovely time
.
a polite expression said to a host or hostess on departure.
B
OB
: I've had a lovely time. Thanks for asking me. F
RED
: We're just delighted you could come. Good night. B
OB
: Good night
.
S
UE
: We've had a lovely time. Good night. B
ILL
: Next time don't stay away so long. Good night.

I've had enough of this
!
I will not take any more of this situation!
S
ALLY
: I've had enough of this! I'm leaving! F
RED
: Me, too!
J
OHN
(glaring at Tom): I've had enough of this! Tom, you're fired! T
OM
: You can't fire me. I quit!

I've had it up to here (with
someone or something). I will not endure any more of someone or something.
B
ILL
: I've had it up to here with your stupidity. B
OB
: Who's calling who stupid?
J
OHN
: I've had it up to here with Tom. M
ARY
: Are you going to fire him? J
OHN
: Yes.

I've heard so much about you
.
a polite phrase said upon being introduced to a person one heard about from a friend or the person's relatives.
B
ILL
: This is my cousin Kate. B
OB
: Hello, Kate. I've heard so much about you
.
S
UE
: Hello, Bill. I've heard so much about you. B
ILL
: Hello. Glad to meet you.

(I've) never been better
.
AND
(I've) never felt better
.
a response to a greeting inquiry into one's health or state of being.
M
ARY
: How are you, Sally? S
ALLY
: Never been better, sweetie
.
D
OCTOR
: How are you, Jane? J
ANE
: Never felt better. D
OCTOR
: Then, why are you here?

(I've) never felt better
.
Go to (I've) never been better.

(I've) seen better
.
a noncommittal and not very positive judgment about something or someone.
A
LICE
: How did you like the movie? J
OHN
: I've seen better
.
B
ILL
: What do you think about this weather? B
OB
: Seen better.