In-negative / Explaining url
Coming home drunk
- I couldn’t help myself.
- I guess things got to me.
- I did it on the spur of the moment.
- My head is spinning.
- I’m about to drop.
- Unfortunately it’s become my security blanket.
- It’s been a rough night.
- I feel like a worn out dish rag.
- With a little bit of luck things will soon get back to normal.
- The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- I could use some moral support.
- I hate to admit it, but it was beyond my control.
- I’ve never had any problems in that area before.
- There’s a first time for everything.
- You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- I'm going through a rough time.
Coming home drunk
Out-positive / Agreement url
How about I pick you up at your house at 8pm?
- Take your time, I’m in no rush.
- That’s as good a time as any.
- That’s fine with me.
- Whatever you say.
- That sounds just great, I’ll look forward to it.
- That’s just fine and dandy.
How about I pick you up at your house at 8pm?
In-negative / Desperation url
Up all night writing a paper
- I feel like I’ve been through the wringer.
- It’s taking its toll.
- I’m running on empty.
- I’m all worn out.
- I’m at my wits end.
- I’m feeling very weary.
- I’ll never get it done in time.
Up all night writing a paper
In-negative / Explaining url
Coming late for an appointment
- I just plum forgot.
- It slipped my mind.
- Forgive me, I just didn’t remember.
- I didn’t do it on purpose.
- I hope you understand.
- Please don’t take it personally.
- I knew I forgot something.
- I’ve been burning the candle at both ends.
- I’ve been crazy busy lately.
- I have a lot on my plate.
- The time just slipped through my fingers.
- I just have no sense of time.
Coming late for an appointment
Out-neutral / Advice url
Strategize-2
- Don’t poke your nose into other people’s business.
- You may not be crazy about the way it tastes, but at least it curbs your appetite.
- It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
- Pretend it never happened.
- What’s the bottom line?
- Do it the easy way.
- One hand washes the other.
- Make the best of the situation.
- Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
- Attitude is 90% of success.
- Let’s float a trial balloon and see what the reaction is.
- To ensure your strategy works, make sure all your ducks are lined up.
- Here is my proposed/suggested game plan.
- Stay focused.
- Keep your eye on the ball.
- Don’t let yourself get sidetracked.
- A word to the wise is sufficient.
- You have to know how to choose your battles.
Strategize-2
In-negative / Doubt url
Being told you should convince the company president to change policy
- That’s like the tail wagging the dog.
- That’s not the way to go about doing it.
- I don’t think that will work out so well.
- He won’t go for that.
- It might have just the opposite from the intended effect.
- The effort could boomerang on our heads.
- He might not take it the right way.
- You’ve got to be kidding!
- It’s not worth it.
Being told you should convince the company president to change policy
In-positive / Confidence url
Suggesting to a friend how to invest
- It’s worth a shot.
- Things will go as smooth as silk.
- It’s a step in the right direction.
- It’s a good start.
- You know anything is possible!
- I know a good thing when I see it.
- I know all about it.
- I know what’s best.
- That’s it in a nutshell.
Suggesting to a friend how to invest
In-negative / Explaining url
Trying to fix work-mate’s computer
- I found the problem, but I just need time to fix it.
- I’m a little rusty.
- I’m working on it.
- I've hit a brick wall.
- I tried my best, but I guess that just wasn’t good enough.
- It doesn’t look like I’m making much headway.
- Oh well, it was worth a try.
- It may look simple, but it's really complicated.
- You can’t blame a fellow for trying.
- I’m sorry that it just didn’t work out.
- Back to the drawing board.
- I got more than I bargained for.
- That’s easier said than done.
- It was a shot in the dark.
- That’s what I could do.
- I’m sure you were expecting more from me.
- I’m trying my best.
- That’s the only thing I can think of.
Trying to fix work-mate’s computer
Out-neutral / Advice url
Don’t worry
- Don’t be a worry-wart.
- Don’t worry about it.
- Put it out of your mind.
- Don’t sit around moping, and get on with your life.
- I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you.
- You should look at the bright side of things, and not always be filled with doom and gloom.
- His bark is worse than his bite.
Don’t worry
In-positive / Confidence url
Traveling by car to a new destination
- It’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from here.
- It’s not that far as the crow flies.
- So far, so good.
- It’s clear sailing from here on in.
- It’s going to be smooth sailing from here on in.
- What could possibly go wrong?
- Now I wouldn’t let anything bad happen, would I?
- I know what I’m doing.
- I'm going to wing it.
Traveling by car to a new destination
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who’s tied in a final set of a tennis match
- That’s the spirit.
- You’ve got it in the palm of your hand.
- You’ve got what it takes.
- You’ve got to come through, we’re all depending on you.
- We’re all rooting for you.
- Take the bull by the horns.
- You can do it.
- The ball is in your court.
- Give it your best shot.
- Give it the old college try.
- We’re all counting on you.
- It’s all up to you.
- Get a move on it, and strike the iron while it’s hot.
- It’s shaping up to be a moment of truth.
- This is your big chance, don’t blow it.
For a friend who’s tied in a final set of a tennis match
Out-negative / Anger url
I will stop you-2
- Wait till I get my hands on you.
- See you in court.
- I’m going to put your lights out.
- I won’t let you.
- I’m putting you on notice.
- You just wait and see.
- Over my dead body.
- I won’t stand for it.
- I’m not going to take any guff from you.
- I’m not going to let you get away with that.
I will stop you-2