Interpreting What Is Said

People say things but what do they really mean? First, the setting (bold type), then what is said and finally (in italics) what they are really feeling.

Talking on the phone:

"I'll let you go".

I want to finish this conversation but I'll make it sound like that's what you want.

After you tell someone something you are about to do:

"That's very brave"

Are you seriously considering that? 

After you make a suggestion:

"I'll bear that in mind".

They are trying to sound open to the suggestion but have already decided against it and don't wish to discuss it. 

When invited to go somewhere:

"I might join you later"

They wish to appear like they want to come but are not keen at all.

Two ladies conversing at a swish party: 

"What a lovely dress you're wearing".

Why do you have to look so darned gorgeous?

A rarely seen friend suddenly turns up at your home: 

"What do you think of my new car?"

I love to show off and make everyone else feel green with envy.

During a conversation:

"You must come to dinner sometime".

I have no intention of ever specifically inviting you but want to give the impression I do.

I Wouldn't Say...But...

I wouldn't say I am a bad singer....

...but the local bar manager likes me singing Karaoke just before closing. It clears out the stragglers.

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I wouldn't say my brother-in-law has a big house....

....but once the painters have finally finished painting it, they have to start over again.

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I wouldn't say that my mother-in-law is a bad cook....

....but I can see why the family prays before eating.

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I wouldn't say my father-in-law is a heavy snorer....

....but the bleary eyed neighbours have nicknamed him Chainsaw.

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I wouldn't say my wife is demanding...

...but when I offer to make her a coffee, she says she wants an instant one.

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I wouldn't say my Polish neighbours aren't getting on but....

...their loud arguments do indicate they are poles apart.

Sayings That Never Quiet Made It

Sayings are a concise way to say something that paints a word picture in our minds and then drives home a salient point. What are some sayings that could have made it but didn't?

Pic: Giallo Zafferano

1) Don't put all your eggs in one omelette.

Sounds OK but if you haven't got many eggs you may have to use them all. It didn't crack the popular list.

2) Four eyes are better than two.

The more people looking for something the better but the connotation with someone wearing spectacles may have clouded people's vision.  

3) People who live in glass houses need good curtains.

Hiding behind objects while undressing would be a pain.

4) Fortune favours those that save well.

A brave effort but unfortunately never found favour. 

5) Honesty is the softest pillow.

An honest person will have a good conscience but for some reason, a sleeper.

6) If you can't beat them, then you had better run fast.

Sound advice but one that got away.

7) The early bird gets the burnt toast.

It just didn't worm its way into our hearts.

8) When in Rome, do as the tourists do.

Well, that's what most visitors do anyway when they roam around the city.

9) The journey of a thousand miles starts with a prod on the accelerator.

It probably would have taken off on but feet were around long before cars were.    

10) Nothing succeeds like a budgerigar.

It had potential but never took flight.