tellhimfred.com

We only use a small number of phrases in our daily lives. And some of these phrases are used over and over again. Sometimes we don’t realize how frequently we use our catchphrases, and even when we do, it’s very difficult to stop using them.

Here are a few of the more common catchphrases I hear from other people.

1. “At the end of the day”- I understand this saying, as it is meant to be something you say before introducing the most important fact in your point. For example: “We can do all the advertising and marketing we want, but at the end of the day we have to ask whether we’re really generating any new business.”

It’s the kind of saying that belittles anything preceding it. It’s definitely the kind of saying that, when said to you, is a “soft insult.” The person saying it is telling you that all your little ideas are cute, but they’re not addressing the main problem.

I hear this at least 10 times per day. Not necessarily directed at me, but in the course of the day I hear it at least ten times.

2. “There you go.”- This is usually used as a supporting retort. If a friend or co-worker tells you about a problem and then suggests how they’re going to solve said problem, a common reply would be “There you go.”

Example:
Person A: The other day a tree fell through my house and destroyed all my furniture, so I’m going to claim it on my homeowner’s policy and then sue the city.

Person B: There you go.

There you go is particularly useful in that it indicates you have no interest in continuing or contributing to the conversation. It tells the speaker that they’ve already solved their problem, so there’s no reason for you to suggest an alternate route.

3. “If I were you.”- Generally used in giving advice, this takes the place of saying “here’s what I would do if I were in your situation.” Instead, it switches the perspective and assumes all the thoughts, traits, and experiences of another person.

For instance: “If I were you, I’d punch him in the face.”

Well, if you were me, you wouldn’t do that, because I realize I would get punched back. But I suppose after you took on my existence and punched someone, you could switch back to being you before the person you/I punched retaliates. Convenient.

What phrases do you hear constantly that either annoy you or just don’t make sense?