In-negative / Explaining url
After investing in worthless land
- I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
- I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
- I should have known.
- It seemed like the right to do thing at the time.
- It took me totally by surprise.
- I was talked into it.
- The thought that this would be such a bad decision never crossed my mind.
- There’s not a whole lot I can do about it at this point.
- That never would have dawned on me.
- I didn’t see it coming.
- In theory that was how it was supposed to play out, but in actuality that’s not what happened.
- How was I supposed to know that?
- It beats me how that could have happened.
- It was an honest mistake.
- It could happen to anyone.
- I’m sorry that things didn’t work out the way I expected them to.
- I found out the hard way.
- The thought never even crossed my mind.
- That was something I wasn’t even aware of.
- Frankly, it’s just not something I could have anticipated.
- That’s something I just didn’t count on.
- They really took me to the cleaners.
- I must admit, from the beginning the whole thing wasn’t clear to me, and went way over my head.
- I was a sitting duck.
- I was being penny wise and pound foolish.
After investing in worthless land
In-positive / Confidence url
Suggesting to a friend how to invest
- It’s worth a shot.
- Things will go as smooth as silk.
- It’s a step in the right direction.
- It’s a good start.
- You know anything is possible!
- I know a good thing when I see it.
- I know all about it.
- I know what’s best.
- That’s it in a nutshell.
Suggesting to a friend how to invest
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who won the race for State Senator against a more popular candidate
- You came out smelling like a rose.
- I don’t know how you pulled this one off, but I’m impressed.
- You sure have come a long way.
- You handled it like a pro.
- You’re one of a kind.
- We’ve been behind you all the way.
- Your speech was spoken like a true diplomat.
- Apparently you made quite an impression.
For a friend who won the race for State Senator against a more popular candidate
In-positive / Relief url
Getting a bonus from work to pay off loans
- We nipped it in the bud.
- It happened just in the nick of time.
- That takes a big load off of my mind.
- Thank goodness for little things.
- It’s just what the doctor ordered.
- We were saved just by the skin on our teeth.
- Things will finally get back to normal.
- When I heard the news, I breathed a sigh of relief.
- Our ship has finally come in.
Getting a bonus from work to pay off loans
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a student who just solved a difficult math problem
- That’s a brilliant deduction.
- You’re as smart as a whip.
- You’re really catching on.
- That’s a step in the right direction.
- You’ve got that down pat.
- Nobody can do it better.
- You should be proud of yourself.
- You’re a pretty smart cookie.
- I’ll be happy/glad to write a letter of recommendation for you.
To a student who just solved a difficult math problem
In-negative / Confusion url
Trying to remember why you made a certain decision last year
- I can’t explain it.
- I’m not so sure.
- I don’t know what to say about it.
- I’m not sure exactly.
- I haven’t the slightest idea.
- I can’t put my finger on it.
- I don’t have a clue.
- I don’t remember off the top of my head.
- Your guess is a good as mine.
- That’s the thing I don’t understand.
- How can I be sure?
Trying to remember why you made a certain decision last year
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Taking bad tasting medicine
- It all goes into the same stomach.
- Life’s not a bowl of cherries.
- Is that so terrible?
- It could be worse.
- It’s not all that bad.
- You have to take the good with the bad.
Taking bad tasting medicine
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Losing money in the stock market
- It happens to the best of us.
- Life goes on.
- You can’t turn back the hands of time.
- Let the chips fall where they may.
- You can’t take it with you.
- Money isn’t everything.
- That’s the way the cookie crumbles.
- This too will pass.
- Easy come, easy go.
- I’ll take full responsibility for it.
- It was bound to happen.
- We live and learn.
Losing money in the stock market
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who was just promoted to be head of sales
- I always knew you had it in you.
- You’ll go right to the top.
- If you play your cards right, nothing will stand in your way, and you will be very successful.
- This is a big moment for you.
- That’s a lucky break for you.
- Here’s your big chance.
- They must think a lot of you.
- You’re going to do a bang-up job.
- More power to you.
- Hit the ground running.
- Give it your all.
For a friend who was just promoted to be head of sales
In-negative / Desperation url
Up all night writing a paper
- I feel like I’ve been through the wringer.
- It’s taking its toll.
- I’m running on empty.
- I’m all worn out.
- I’m at my wits end.
- I’m feeling very weary.
- I’ll never get it done in time.
Up all night writing a paper
In-negative / Doubt url
Police questioning thief
- Your story doesn’t hold water.
- Can you please run that by me again?
- That’s hard to believe.
- You expect me to believe that?
- There’s something fishy about your story.
- You’re lying through his teeth.
- What you’re tell me just doesn’t wash.
- Do you expect me to believe that cock and bull story?
- That’s nothing new.
- It’s too late for that.
- I think you’ve been up to no good.
- You can talk till you’re blue in the face, I just don’t buy it.
Police questioning thief
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who is depressed
- I never promised you a rose garden.
- You’re putting up a brave front.
- It can’t be as bad as all that.
- You have to look at the bright side.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself.
- Alright, get it out of your system.
- I know how you feel.
- It’s a step in the right direction.
- I think you can figure this out for yourself.
- With a bit of luck and hard work it will all work out fine in the end.
- You have to look yourself in the eye and ask yourself plain and simple, with all your abilities, what’s holding you back from fulfilling more of your potential?
- It looks worse than it really is.
- Don’t you worry, you will be fine.
- Do the best you can.
- What’s eating you?
- You have your whole life ahead of you.
For a friend who is depressed