Language Focus · Everyday English

Common Sayings & Expressions

Informal spoken English — B1–B2 level

These three expressions are very common in everyday spoken English. They are informal and show strong feeling or reaction. Tap each card to explore the meaning, usage, and examples.
1
"You can say that again!"
Meaning & Context We use this expression to show strong agreement with something someone just said. It means: "I completely agree with you — that is 100% true." We do NOT actually want the person to repeat what they said! The expression is a fixed idiom used as a response, usually with emphasis or a sigh.
strong agreement spoken response informal fixed expression

Example Sentences

  • "The traffic on the highway today was terrible." — "You can say that again! I was stuck for two hours."
  • "Learning English grammar is really challenging." — "You can say that again. The present perfect always confuses me."
  • "This project has been stressful from the start." — "You can say that again! I haven't slept properly in a week."
2
"That's the last thing I need right now!"
Meaning & Context This expression is used when something unwanted or problematic is added to an already difficult situation. It expresses frustration — you are already stressed or busy, and now there is one more problem. "Last" here means "worst possible addition." It can also be used humorously about minor inconveniences.
frustration complaint spoken reaction informal

Example Sentences

  • My phone screen cracked on the way to my exam. That's the last thing I need right now!
  • "The server is down and all our files are gone." — "Oh no, that's the last thing I need right now, the deadline tomorrow."
  • I have four assignments due this week, and now I have a cold. That's the last thing I need right now.
3
"Can't believe you fell for that!"
Meaning & Context "To fall for" something means to be tricked or deceived — you believed something false or accepted a joke as true. "Can't believe you fell for that!" is said (usually laughing) after a prank, a joke, or when someone believed something obviously untrue. The full form is "I can't believe…" but the "I" is often dropped in casual speech. The tone is teasing, not usually cruel.
teasing phrasal verb: fall for humor informal

Example Sentences

  • I told him the canteen was closed all week as a joke. I can't believe he fell for it!
  • "Wait — is there really no class today?" — "Haha, can't believe you fell for that! Of course there is."
  • She told me the assignment deadline was moved to next month. I can't believe I fell for that — she was joking the whole time.
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Final Dialog

All three expressions in context — read aloud with a partner

Amir Hey, did you hear? The professor cancelled the exam. We don't have to study tonight!
Bina Wait, seriously?! Oh wow, that's such a relief — I've been so stressed.
Amir Ha! Can't believe you fell for that! Of course the exam isn't cancelled. It's tomorrow at nine.
Bina Ugh, Amir! That's the last thing I need right now! I'm already nervous enough — don't do that to me!
Amir Sorry, sorry! But seriously, this exam is going to be really difficult. The reading passages alone are exhausting.
Bina You can say that again. I've read the same paragraph five times and I still don't understand it. Let's study together tonight.
Amir Good idea. And I promise — no more jokes!