Page 13 - Speak English Like an American

Bob: What? You’re giving me the ax?

Peter: Yes. I’ve already found a new manager. She’s as sharp
as a tack.

Bob; Can’t we even talk this over? After all, I’ve been
working here for 10 years!

Peter; There’s no point in arguing, Bob. I’ve already made up
my mind.

Bob: Oh well, at least | won’t have to put up with your non-
sense anymore! Good-bye to you and good-bye to this
dead-end job.

Peter: Please leave before I lose my temper!

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IDIOMS — LESSON 1

about to — ready to; on the verge of
EXxamPLE |: It’s a good thing Bob left the furniture store when he did.
Peter was so angry, he was about to throw a dining room chair at him.
ExampLe 2: I’m glad you’re finally home. I was just about to have dinner
without you.

after all — despite everything; when everything has been con-
sidered; the fact is
ExampLe 1: You’d better invite Ed to your party. After all, he’s a good friend.
ExamPLe 2: It doesn’t matter what your boss thinks of you. After all,
you’re going to quit your job anyway.

at least — anyway; the good thing is that...

EXAMPLE |: We’ve run out of coffee, but at least we still have tea.
ExampLe 2: Tracy can’t afford to buy a car, but at least she has a good
bicycle.
Note: The second definition of this phrase is “no less than”: There were
at least 300 people waiting in line to buy concert tickets.

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