We’re here to help make your English conversations smoother and much more natural. So, if you haven’t checked out our article on informal phrases that can really help with this, be sure to give it a look by clicking the link here. This second article on the topic will further boost your vocabulary and improve your conversational skills. Dive in and start using these great expressions whenever you can!

Phrase	Meaning	Example
You tell me	I don’t know Your guess is as good as mine I would like to hear your answer to this/opinion on this.	A: I heard there’s a big sale at the mall. B: You tell me. I haven’t been there in weeks! A: Hey, what’s with all the mess? B: You tell me. I’m not the one who brought a dog into the house.
You’re telling me	I know it I’m aware of it	A: This traffic is insane. I’ve been stuck here for an hour! B: You’re telling me. I’ve been in this jam forever too.
Tell me about it	You’re telling me I know I can relate	A: I’ve been so busy with work lately, it’s been exhausting. B: Tell me about it. I’ve been swamped too and barely have time to breathe.
You don’t say	Really? Is that so? No kidding?	A: I just got a promotion at work. B: You don’t say! That’s amazing!
I stand corrected	You’re right I was wrong I admit my mistake	A: The capital of Australia is Canberra, not Sydney. B: Oh, I stand corrected. Thanks for clarifying!
What else is new?	Nothing surprising	A: I’m stuck in traffic again. B: What else is new? Traffic is always a nightmare.
Try me	Challenge me Test me	A: I don’t think you can handle this project. B: Try me. I’m up for the challenge.
Humor me	Bear with me	A: I know it sounds silly, but just humor me and listen to this idea.
Save it	Shut up Forget about it Stop talking	A: I’ve got a whole lecture on why you should’ve called first. B: Save it. I already get it.
Don’t bother	Don’t worry about it Forget it	A: I’m going to bring you some coffee. B: Don’t bother. I’ve already had enough.
Look who’s talking	What a hypocrite /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/	A: You should really stop being late all the time. B: Look who’s talking! You’re late just as often.
Don’t get me wrong	I don’t mean to hurt your feelings but… Let me clarify Please understand	A: Don’t get me wrong, I think your idea is good, but it might need more work.
Get real	Be realistic Wake up Be practical	A: I’m sure we’ll win the lottery tomorrow. B: Get real! That’s not going to happen.
You bet	Absolutely For sure Definitely	A: Can you help me with this? B: You bet! I’d be happy to.
Take it easy	Relax Chill out Calm down	A: I’m so stressed about the upcoming test. B: Take it easy. You’ve prepared well.

Practice

Choose a phrase from the table above to respond to what’s being said.

1. I think you should really start being more punctual. Response: ___ You’re always late yourself.
2. I’ve been swamped with work this week. Response: ___ I’ve had back-to-back meetings every day.
3. Who do you think could have stolen the money? Response: ___ These are your signatures on the forged invoices, are they not?
4. I’m not sure if this idea will work. Response: Just ___ and give it a shot. We can always adjust later.
5. I’ve got a whole explanation for why I did that. Response: ___ I’m not interested in hearing it right now.
6. I heard they’re making a sequel to that popular movie. Response: ___ I thought the first one was pretty much a standalone.
7. I’m thinking of calling him again to apologize. Response: ___ He won’t take your call anyway.
8. Actually, the book was published in 1985, not 1990. Response: ___ I should have checked the publication date.
9. I can’t believe how much this project has cost us already. Response: ___ I thought it would be done by now.
10. I’m really stressed about this upcoming presentation. Response: ___ You’ve prepared well, and you’ll do fine.
11. I think the new policy is a good idea, but… Response: ___, I’m not against improving things, but I have some concerns about how it will be implemented.
12. I’ve been really busy at work lately. Response: It seems like everyone’s been swamped lately.
13. I don’t think you can handle this challenge. Response: Oh really? ___. I’m up for it.
14. I’m sure we can finish this project in one day. Response: ___ It’s going to take at least a week.
15. Can you help me with this task? Response: ___ I’d be happy to help.

Suggested responses 🔑

1. Look who’s talking!
2. Tell me about it!
3. You tell me.
4. humor me
5. Save it.
6. You don’t say!
7. Don’t bother.
8. I stand corrected.
9. You’re telling me!
10. Take it easy.
11. Don’t get me wrong
12. What else is new?
13. Try me
14. Get real!
15. You bet!