Hear me out
Definition: Ask someone to listen to an entire idea or explanation before forming an opinion.
Use
Use this phrase when you don’t want interruptions for what you need to say.
Examples
- I know it sounds like a far-fetched idea, but hear me out.
- Hear me out before you make a decision.
- A: I think your idea won’t work.
B: Just hear me out first!
I’ve got good news and bad news
Definition: A common way to introduce a message that contains both positive and negative information.
Use
Often used at the beginning of a conversation when sharing mixed news.
Examples
- I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is I got the job, but the bad news is I have to move to a new city.
- I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is we won the game, but the bad news is I hurt my ankle.
- A: What’s the update?
B: Well, I’ve got good news and bad news. Which one would you like first?
That’s not the half of it
Definition: When there’s even more to an already strange or lengthy story.
Use
Use when what was just said is only the surface of a larger story.
Examples
- A: Did you hear that John lost his job?
B: That’s just the half of it — the real story is behind the reason he got fired.
- A: Did you know Amy and Sam broke up?
B: Oh yeah, but that’s just the half of it. Sam was cheating on Amy with her best friend.
- A: I heard Sue and James had a big fight at the meeting.
B: That’s just the half of it! Apparently, James quit on the spot, and now half the team is threatening to leave too!
But that’s another story for another time
Definition: A polite way to say that you don’t want to go into detail about a situation or event.
Use
Use when you want to change the subject or postpone telling more details.
Examples
- We had an amazing holiday. Mark got lost in Naples — but that’s another story for another time.
- A: Tell me what happened at the party.
B: It was great, but Tom drank too much — but that’s another story for another time.
- I could tell you all about it, but that’s another story for another time.