English Conversation

Expressing doubts and uncertainty 85

Throw in the towel

To throw in the towel means to stop trying to do something. An alternative expression is to

give up.

Hey, Niko, how are your tennis lessons

going?

Oh, I threw in the towel a couple of months

ago. I just didn’t have enough time to

practice.

I have to quit school; it’s just too hard. You can’t give up now! You only have a couple

of semesters left.

Work

To be working for someone can mean to be employed by that person.

I’m still going to school, but I’m working for my dad this summer.

It can also indicate that a certain strategy or program is suitable for someone.

This new diet just isn’t working for me. I’ve actually gained weight!

Teaching at the public school really works for her, because she has the same schedule as her

children.

Cheer someone up

To cheer someone up means to make someone feel happier.

She was feeling lonely, so we went over and cheered her up.

Count on

To count on someone means to expect that that person will support you when necessary. Alter-

native expressions are to depend on someone and to rely on someone.

We can always count on Bob to make us laugh.

She doesn’t worry about spending money; she knows she can depend on her mother to pay

her bills.

You’re always late! I can’t rely on you when I need you.

To be there for someone means to support someone whenever necessary.

I count on Ann. She is always there for me.

He’s a great dad, always there for his kids.

Do you mind...?

Do you mind...? is a way of asking someone’s permission to do something.

Do you mind if I sit here? No, of course not. (You may sit there.)

Do you mind if I smoke? Actually, I do. Smoke really bothers me.

Let’s

Let’s is a way of suggesting an activity for you and one or more other people.

Let’s eat Chinese tonight.

Let’s not argue about it.