In-positive / Realizing url
Realizing that the maid has been stealing money
- There’s no way around it.
- I hate to admit it.
- It slipped out of her mouth and she showed his true colors.
- I now see her as she really is.
- I’ve had a hunch for the longest time.
- It’s finally out in the clear for everyone to see.
- She finally let the cat out of the bag and told us what really happened.
- I heard it through the grape vine.
- I suspected as much.
- I should have known.
- I know it sounds far-fetched, but I kid you not.
- Perhaps I should have seen that coming.
- In retrospect, I was blind as a bat.
Realizing that the maid has been stealing money
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a student who just solved a difficult math problem
- That’s a brilliant deduction.
- You’re as smart as a whip.
- You’re really catching on.
- That’s a step in the right direction.
- You’ve got that down pat.
- Nobody can do it better.
- You should be proud of yourself.
- You’re a pretty smart cookie.
- I’ll be happy/glad to write a letter of recommendation for you.
To a student who just solved a difficult math problem
Out-negative / Anger url
You have gone too far
- I think you’ve gone just a little bit too far this time.
- You’re in big trouble.
- Are you threatening me?
- Now that was a cheap shot.
- You’re down right nasty.
- Aren’t you carrying this a bit too far?
- Who the heck do you think you are?
- Stop that hanky-panky.
- Don’t you have a shred of decency?
- Is nothing sacred anymore?
- How can anyone in his right mind say something like what you just said.
You have gone too far
Out-positive / Concern url
To a friend who just lost a lot of their money in the stock market
- I’m sorry it didn’t pan out.
- I think your nest-egg was your security blanket, and now you’ll just have to pick up the pieces and go on from here.
- This puts you in a terrible position.
- I don’t envy you.
- That’s such a shame.
- You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
- You might have to start over from square one.
- You’ll need all the help that you can get.
- After such an experience, it might turn out that you’ll never be the same.
- You shouldn’t have put all your eggs in one basket.
- It’s written all over your face.
- You’re lucky that it wasn’t much worse than it was.
To a friend who just lost a lot of their money in the stock market
In-negative / Doubt url
To chemist who blew up the lab
- You’re supposed to know these things.
- What have you done?
- How could you do that?
- I can’t believe it.
- You certainly have had a streak of bad luck.
- I didn’t think that was going to happen.
- What were you trying to do?
- Well what did you expect?
- Is that the best you can do?
- Maybe you should choose a different line of work.
- I don’t think anyone expected this result.
- The less said about it the better.
- What have you gotten yourself into?
To chemist who blew up the lab
In-positive / Relief url
Surviving after being lost in the desert for 3 days.
- I was on my last legs, and I didn’t think I could hold out much longer, when I was miraculously saved in the nick of time.
- I got through by the skin of my teeth.
- I don’t know how I did it.
- I got in just under the wire.
- At the end if was touch and go, and I was wondering if I was going to make it.
- Home, sweet, home.
- Things are finally getting back to normal.
- I was on my last legs.
Surviving after being lost in the desert for 3 days.
In-positive / Determination url
Student work on a term-paper
- This deserves my total focus and undivided attention.
- I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it and feel more familiar with the whole topic.
- I’ll get it done in no time at all.
- I’m going to hit the ground running.
- The task I faced was difficult, but I rose to the challenge.
- We’re wrapping it up.
- There’s no time like the present.
- Stay the course.
- I really have my work cut out for me.
Student work on a term-paper
Out-positive / Agreement url
How would you like to eat in the Italian restaurant tonight?
- I think that would be a good idea.
- Whatever you want.
- It's as good a place as any.
- We're thinking along the same lines.
- I'll drink to that.
- I'd be delighted.
- Whatever you want is fine with me.
- Sound’s good to me.
- Let’s play it by ear.
How would you like to eat in the Italian restaurant tonight?
Out-positive / Agreement url
Feeling more self confident makes a person into a better salesman.
- You’re so right.
- Don’t I know!
- That’s a good point.
- I’ll vouch for that.
- That might have something to do with it.
- It certainly seems that way.
- I know what you’re trying to say.
- That’s as plain as day.
- I’ll go along with that.
- That could very well be.
Feeling more self confident makes a person into a better salesman.
Out-neutral / Observation url
About Others – Positive-1
- He knows the ropes.
- He knows everything there is to know about it.
- He’s young at heart.
- He has a friend in high places.
- They’re rolling in dough.
- He’s going to take on the whole world.
- It’s a whole lot for him to handle, and considering what he’s been through, I think he’s holding up pretty well under the circumstances.
- She can take care of herself.
- It’s just another example of hometown boy makes good.
- You’ve got to give them credit.
- He’s a chip off the old block.
- They’re like two peas in a pod.
- He’s got money to burn.
- He’s in a class all by himself.
- He’s a man of means.
- He’s an upstanding citizen.
About Others – Positive-1
In-negative / Desperation url
Being charge with tax evasion
- I’m up the creek without a paddle.
- I never thought it would come to this.
- I’ve reached the end of my rope.
- I’ve become a laughing stock.
- I’ve been crazy with worry.
- My back is up against the wall.
- What have I gotten myself into?
- I suspect that it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
- I feel like I’m fraying around the edges.
- I feel like I’ve been through the mill.
- What have I gotten myself into?
Being charge with tax evasion
In-positive / Surprise url
Your favorite team wins 10 games in a row
- It happens only once in a blue moon.
- If that don’t beat all.
- There are no words to describe it.
- Will wonders never cease?
- Lo and behold.
- My goodness.
- It’s a whole new ballgame.
- Heavens to Betsy.
- Can you imagine that?
- Do you dig it?
Your favorite team wins 10 games in a row