Do you ever stop to think what common phrases actually mean?

Question

Phrases like "as a matter of fact", "with all due respect", "in all honesty", "sincerely yours", etc.

Answer 1

I do, and I even have a pet peeve one that is often mis-stated: "I could care less!" should be "I couldn't care less!"

Another one to think about: when you greet someone and say "Nice to see you again" when it really isn't that nice.

Answer 2

I do, actually... My spouse's first language is not English, and every once in a while I find myself explaining expressions like that to him. Sometimes I really have to think about it, because to me it usually comes as second nature! The other day I was almost stumped explaining "Neck of the woods." I could explain that you use it when referring to a certain geographical area ("So when are you going to visit our neck of the woods?") but I had no clue where it could have originated, or what it actually meant. One website I found said it dates back to 1780 when "neck of the woods" meant a narrow strip of wooded land, and then gradually began to refer to a district or neighborhood in general. Sometimes I read those explanations and think "How did we get THIS from THAT???"

Other ones I've tossed around are "Flip the bird," "Have a cow," and "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." Love that last one :))

Answer 3

I do stop & think about them. Specially when someone is trying to sell me something. Have you ever notice how many time a saleperson uses these little phrases?

Answer 4

yes, they become things we just say for the sake of saying them instead of thinking about things like "due respect" and "matters of fact." I love thinking about things like this.

Answer 5

no i'v never stopped & thought