In-negative / Doubt url
To friend who claims he knows how to win the lottery
- The chances of that happening are pretty close to zero.
- How do you figure that?
- You don’t say?
- Don’t count on it.
- You can’t mean that.
- It doesn’t work that way.
- That’s what they all say.
- How can you be so cock-sure of yourself?
- It’s all in your head.
- It’s not very likely to happen that way.
- It’s about time you started being realistic.
- Wake up and smell the coffee.
To friend who claims he knows how to win the lottery
In-negative / Explaining url
Not doing work assignment on time
- I bit off more than I could chew.
- I didn’t accomplish as much as I thought I would.
- I took my best shot.
- That’s the best that I can do.
- It took me longer than I thought it would.
- I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately.
- I was sure I could do more in the time that I had.
- The whole thing blew up in my face.
- I promise to do better next time.
- I don’t know how to answer your question.
- It totally slipped my mind.
- I knew there was something I forgot to do.
- I have no excuse.
Not doing work assignment on time
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Being bypassed for a promotion
- That’s life in the fast lane.
- What’s done is done.
- I guess it’s the way it had to be.
- Maybe it’s all for the best.
- It doesn’t really matter one way or another.
- That’s the way people are.
- It’s not that important.
- I’m humbled.
- Go right ahead, I don’t mind.
- We should just learn from our mistakes.
- You’re the boss.
- Let’s chalk it up to experience.
Being bypassed for a promotion
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a child who finished their homework
- Now that didn’t take so long, did it?
- Good for you.
- That sounds just great.
- Perfect!
- That was a very admirable thing to do.
- Awesome!
- Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?
- Aren’t you glad that’s over with?
- Don’t you admit that it looked like it was going to be much harder than it turned out to be?
- See what you are capable of doing when you put your mind to it?
- That's my girl!
To a child who finished their homework
Out-positive / Agreement url
Instead of throwing out plastic bottles, I think we should recycle them.
- That really hits the nail on the head.
- I hear you as clear as a bell.
- That’s exactly what I think.
- Good idea.
- I can’t argue with you.
- I must admit that I see your point.
- You’re absolutely right.
- That’s true.
- That's not a bad idea.
- I couldn’t agree with you more.
- That sounds like a plan.
Instead of throwing out plastic bottles, I think we should recycle them.
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Being offered a job
- Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.
- It’s better late than never.
- I’ll buy that.
- All’s well that ends well.
- If the shoes fits wear it.
- That works out best all around.
Being offered a job
In-negative / Confusion url
Being a victim of a robbery
- I haven’t the faintest idea what happened.
- OK, now what do I do?
- I don’t know what to say.
- It’s hard to believe.
- I feel totally disoriented.
- I'm shell-shocked.
- What happened is weird, and can’t be explained so easily.
- This really messed up my schedule, but I’ll do what I can to get back to a semblance of normalcy.
- What was that all about?
- Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut.
- How did that happen?
Being a victim of a robbery
In-neutral / Caution url
Thinking of dating someone from the wrong side of the tracks
- I feel that persion might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
- Assumptions can be deceptive.
- I don’t know where this is all heading.
- If you ask me I think I should just call the whole thing off.
- I think that could be like opening up a Pandora’s box.
- That might be wishful thinking.
- Curiosity killed the cat.
- Where there’s smoke there’s fire.
- I have a funny feeling that I should drop it like a hot potato if I know what’s good for me.
- Am I seeing the world with rose colored glasses?
Thinking of dating someone from the wrong side of the tracks
In-positive / Determination url
Captain of a football team
- It’s not over until it’s over.
- We have to take the bull by the horns.
- I’m pumped and primed for action.
- We busted our butts, and we got it done.
- Make it snappy.
- I don’t give out trade secrets.
- On your mark, get set, go.
- No one can stop us now.
- So what are we waiting for?
- We’ve got to rise to the occasion.
- Let's make this year our crowing achievement.
Captain of a football team
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
I’m trying to see your viewpoint-2
- I’ve given it some thought, and I’ll share with you my honest conclusions.
- I’m all ears.
- Tell it to me straight.
- I got it, loud and clear.
- I’ll see what I can do.
- I have to think it over.
- I see where you’re headed.
- I wasn’t looking at it that way.
- That remains to be seen.
- Let’s not skirt around the issue.
- It’s food for thought.
- I gathered that.
- I'm just trying to let you know my way of looking at it.
- What did you have in mind?
- I’m giving you my full attention.
- Will you swear to it?
I’m trying to see your viewpoint-2
In-neutral / Caution url
Telling someone a secret
- The less said about it the better.
- Don’t breathe a word of it.
- I was sworn to secrecy.
- Mum’s the word.
- This could be something that I might come to regret.
- This might be against my better judgement.
- I have to ask myself, why am I doing this?
Telling someone a secret
In-positive / Confidence url
Looking for something
- Something will turn up.
- We’re on the right track.
- It was exactly where I thought it would be.
- Something’s going to turn up.
- If we’re patient and methodical, I’m sure this will have a happy ending.
Looking for something