(be) careful what you wish for(, (because) you just might get it)

A warning that something that one desires might prove to problematic or undesirable were it to happen or come true. A: "I just wish they would give me a promotion with more responsibilities in work." B: "Be careful what you wish for. You might end up regretting how much more stressful your job becomes." A: "I don't know what to do with her—she's totally infatuated with Kevin and doesn't see what a jerk he can be." B: "Well, if they ever date, she'll figure it out. You know what they say—be careful what you wish for, you just might get it." A: "It's all so unfair! I wish I didn't even have a family!" B: "Hey—be careful what you wish for! I bet you'd regret saying that if anything bad ever happened to us or your brother!"

See also: careful, get, just, might, what, wish

because is why

cliché I do not need to give you any further explanation or reasoning for my decision. Used especially as a retort to children in order to end an argument over something. A: "I don't want to go to bed! The sun is still shining!" B: "Too bad, it's your bedtime." B: "But why do I have to go to sleep if the sun is still out?" A: "Because is why!" A: "Why do I have to wear a coat, Mom? I'm not even cold!" B: "Because is why! Just do it, we're gonna be late!" I got sick of having to explain the thought process behind every little decision to my kids. Now, when they question me, I just say, "Because is why!"

because of (something)

Due to. This phrase typically precedes the reason that something else has happened. I just found out that the event has been canceled because of the snow. I know some of my students think I'm batty because of my weird methods. Everyone thinks I'm from some rural backwater just because of the folksy way I talk.

because reasons

cliché I do not need to give you any further explanation or reasoning for my decision. Used as a vague and dismissive retort meant to end an argument one cannot or does not want to provide evidence for. A: "But why on earth can't we just do this a different way?" B: "Because reasons, Phil! Now can you just drop it, please?" A: "Why do I have to work with Bryan and Dennis on this, though?" B: "Because reasons, Amelia. Now please sit down and start working with your group." I got sick of having to explain the thought process behind every little decision to my kids. Now, when they question me, I just say, "Because reasons!"

because you touch yourself at night

vulgar slang A glib response used humorously or contemptuously to deflect any "why" question, especially one deemed boring, impertinent, stupid, etc. Popularized by and widely attributed to the animated television show Family Guy. A: "Why on earth did you name the dog Balthazar?" B: "Because you touch yourself at night, dweeb!" A: "Wow, real mature." A: Why is the sky blue?" B: "Because you touch yourself at night. Now, beat it, I'm sick of answering all your questions!" A: "Whoa, why are you wearing that stupid costume?" B: "Because you touch yourself at night, that's why."

early money is like yeast(, because it helps to raise the dough)

Early investments can help generate the growth of large amounts of money in the future. Used especially as a maxim in political fundraising. You've got to have an attitude of "early money is like yeast" as we raise money for our candidates. If we don't get the jump on fundraising now, we won't have a chance of making gains in the Senate. You really ought to start investing as soon as you can. Just remember, early money is like yeast, because it helps to raise the dough! Have you seen the dismal fundraising numbers? If early money is like yeast, because it helps to raise the dough, then we're never baking anything!

See also: because, early, help, like, money, raise, to

just because

"Because" is often shortened colloquially as "'cause" or "cuz."

1. Used to introduce something that one does not believe serves on its own as an appropriate justification for something else. What on earth were you thinking? That it was OK for you to break the law just 'cause your friends were doing it? Look, just because I run the company, it doesn't mean that I don't understand how my employees feel.

2. informal For no specific or meaningful reason. A: "Timmy! Why did you draw on the walls?" B: "I dunno. Just cuz, I guess." A: "But what they did wasn't illegal at all." B: "So, what, they went through all that effort to keep the whole thing a secret… just because? I don't understand why they would do that if it didn't serve some purpose."

talk to the hand

A rude interjection meant to interrupt and dismiss what another person is saying. (Sometimes written or spoken in longer forms, such as, "talk to the hand, because the face isn't listening," or the like.) Dad: "Sarah, would you mind cleaning up the—" Sarah: "Talk to the hand, Dad! I've got too much going on to be dealing with chores around the house!" All of us were aghast when Jonathan turned to the police officer and said, "Talk to the hand, 'cause the face ain't interested!"

watch what you wish for(, (because) you just might get it)

A warning that something that one desires might prove to problematic or undesirable were it to come true. A: "I just wish they would give me a promotion with more responsibilities in work." B: "Watch what you wish for. You might end up regretting how much more stressful your job becomes." A: "Sarah's totally infatuated with Kevin and doesn't see what a jerk he can be." B: "Well, if they ever date, she'll figure it out. You know what they say—watch what you wish for, you just might get it."

See also: get, just, might, watch, what, wish

you must be tired, because you've been running through my mind all day

A corny pick-up line used to convey one's (typically a male's) romantic interest in someone else. A pun on the word "running." (If something is running through one's mind, they are thinking about it, while the physical act of running would cause tiredness.) A: "Baby, you must be tired, because you've been running through my mind all day!" B: "Oh boy. Yeah, I'm not interested."

See also: all, because, been, mind, must, running, through

disappointed at someone or something

and disappointed in someone or something

becoming sad because of someone or something. I am really disappointed at what you did. I am very disappointed in you. That was a terrible thing to do. They were disappointed in the outcome.