In-negative / Desperation url
Running away from the Cossacks
- I’m knee deep in alligators.
- I’ve got to get a handle on the situation before it’s too late.
- The people around me are dropping like flies.
- I’m going out of my mind.
- It’s a matter of life and death.
- I’m overcome with fear.
- I just can’t deal with it anymore.
- What going on here?
- I just can’t put up with it any longer.
- It’s every man for himself.
- What else have I got?
Running away from the Cossacks
In-negative / Desperation url
Breaking up a long term relationship
- I feel torn apart inside.
- That’s really depressing.
- Things seemed to be going well when all of a sudden our plans fell through.
- It’s tearing me apart at the seams.
- I’m down in the dumps.
- I don’t want to think about it.
- I never thought it would ever come to this.
- Sometimes I think, Why bother?
- Out of the frying pan into the fire.
- I feel shattered.
- I’m afraid I made it worse.
- I made the same mistake again.
Breaking up a long term relationship
Out-positive / Concern url
Meeting a friend who’s been up all night studying for a test.
- Perhaps you waited too long to take care of it.
- Have you’ve been burning the midnight oil?
- Next time try not to wait until the last minute.
- You’re working yourself to the bone.
- Perhaps you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.
- You should try to pace yourself better.
- Don’t worry about it, just do your best, and I'm sure that will be good enough.
- You shouldn’t save everything for the last minute.
- You’re burning the candle at both ends.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Meeting a friend who’s been up all night studying for a test.
Out-negative / Annoyed url
You are hurting me
- You used me.
- You’re treating me like I’m low man on the totem pole.
- You’re causing me great pain.
- I don’t like to be played for a sucker.
- You make my life miserable.
- You’re a thorn in my side.
- Don’t give me the cold shoulder.
- This is beginning to wear on me.
- You make me feel like two cents.
- Don’t brush me off.
- Don’t patronize me.
- Don’t push your luck.
- You’re such a pain in the neck.
- That hit me below the belt.
- What am I, chopped liver?
- Stop nickel and diming me.
- That’s what really burns me up.
You are hurting me
Out-negative / Anger url
Stay away from me
- Mind your own business.
- Don’t butt in.
- Will you lay off?
- Don’t start with me.
- Stay out of it and mind your own business.
- I don’t want your two cents worth.
- Keep your hands to yourself.
- Leave me alone.
- It is no business of yours.
- Stop bugging me.
Stay away from me
Out-positive / Thanks url
After your boss tells you he convinced management to give you a nice raise
- I owe you a debt of gratitude Thank you for your time and effort, and of course the result.
- My gratitude knows no bounds.
- You helped me out of a tight financial squeeze.
- I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.
- Thanks for the vote of confidence.
- Thanks a bunch.
- Thanks for letting me know as soon as you found out.
- You don’t know how good that makes me feel to hear you say that.
- That’s great.
After your boss tells you he convinced management to give you a nice raise
In-negative / Confusion url
Being given a bag of rocks for a present
- I don’t know what to do with it.
- What am I going to do with all this stuff?
- What does this mean?
- What do you mean by this?
- I’m almost afraid to ask.
- Do you mind telling me what this is about?
- Does it make any sense?
- I’m speechless.
- I wonder what that means.
- It doesn’t make any sense at all.
- I don't get it.
Being given a bag of rocks for a present
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
Out-positive / Agreement url
I think the stock market is going to go up.
- If you say so.
- You’re usually right about things like this.
- You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.
- I’m fully aware of that.
- I won’t be surprised if it happens exactly the way you say.
- I’ll buy that.
- I know what you’re driving at.
- It certainly seems that way.
- That’s very possible.
- I hear you loud and clear.
- That wouldn’t surprise me.
I think the stock market is going to go up.
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a fellow worker who is hesitant to present a new idea to the boss
- There’s nothing to be afraid of.
- You have nothing to worry about.
- Don’t sell yourself short.
- What’s holding you back?
- What could go wrong?
- Your fears are your worst enemy.
- I'm sure they're going to appreciate your trying.
- You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
- At the very worst, they won't use your idea, but it’s certainly not going to hurt anything.
- What's the downside?
- Grab the brass ring.
- Maybe they’ll take you up on it.
- What’s the worst case scenario?
- Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- No pain, no gain.
- Speak up and make yourself heard.
- You don’t have to sell yourself to me, screw up your courage and say what you have to say to the powers that be.
- Just remind yourself that speaking up is not a bad choice, mind you.
- Don’t worry, they’ll understand.
- They’re on the up and up, and they’re not going to pull any punches.
- You need to stand up for yourself.
- I think you should jump at the opportunity.
- It never hurts to ask.
For a fellow worker who is hesitant to present a new idea to the boss
Out-positive / Agreement url
I think that Bill Jones, who is running for Mayor, will make a better Mayor.
- You could make a case for that.
- I think you might have a point.
- I couldn't agree with you more.
- That makes the two of us.
- That's my sentiments exactly.
- I have a sneaking suspicion that you may be right.
- That's as plain as day.
- I'm with you.
- What you're saying has the ring of truth.
- I’ll take your word for it.
I think that Bill Jones, who is running for Mayor, will make a better Mayor.
Out-neutral / Advice url
Restraint-1
- Don’t get carried away.
- Hold your tongue.
- Just cool it.
- Just sit tight Pause for a moment.
- Keep your cool.
- Don’t make waves.
- It’s best to bite your tongue.
- Silence is golden.
- Bite your tongue.
- Somethings are better left unsaid.
- Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Restraint-1