Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (207 page)

That's the way it goes
.
That is fate.
M
ARY
: All my roses died in the cold weather. S
UE
: That's the way it goes
.
S
ALLY
: Someone stole all the candy we left out in the front office. J
ANE
: That's the way it goes.

That's the way the ball bounces
.
Go to That's the way the cookie crumbles.

That's the way the cookie crumbles
.
AND
That's the way the ball bounces.; That's the way the mop flops
.
That is life.; That's the way it goes.
S
UE
: I lost out on the chance for a promotion. A
LICE
: That's the way the cookie crumbles
.
J
OHN
: All this entire week was spent on this project. Then they canceled it. S
ALLY
: That's the way the ball bounces.

That's the way the mop flops
.
Go to That's the way the cookie crumbles.

(That's the) way to go
!
a phrase encouraging someone to continue the good work.
As John ran over the finish line, everyone cried, “That's the way to go!
”
“Way to go!” said Mary when Bob finally got the car started.

(That's) too bad
.
It is unfortunate.; I'm sorry to hear that.
T
OM
: I hurt my foot on our little hike. F
RED
: That's too bad. Can I get you something for it? T
OM
: No, I'll live
.
B
OB
: My uncle just passed away. T
OM
: That's too bad. I'm sorry to hear that. B
OB
: Thanks.

That's what I say
.
I agree with what was just said.
T
OM
: We've got to get in there and stand up for our rights! M
ARY
: That's what I say
.
B
OB
: They shouldn't do that! M
ARY
: That's what I say! B
OB
: They should be put in jail! M
ARY
: That's what I say!

That's what I'm talking about
.
This (or that) is definitely what I want or mean. (Often the speaker has not actually talked about the subject before.)
A
NDY
: Well, Don, it's eight o'clock, and here I am. Right on time. D
ON
: That's what I'm talking about. Promptness!
Hey, I think I like the red one best. Yeah! That's what I'm talking about.