How are you?
American English
Very common, often just a polite greeting, not always expecting a detailed answer.
Typical reply: “Good, thanks. How about you?” (even if not really “good”).
Tone is casual and friendly.
Canadian English
Used the same way as in American English.
Canadians might also add extra politeness: “Good, thanks! And yourself?”
Sometimes paired with “Hi there” or “Hey” for warmth.
British English
Also common, but sometimes interpreted more literally.
You might hear “Not bad, thanks” or “I’m alright” more often than “Good”.
Can sound slightly more formal than in North America, depending on context.
How do you do?
American English
Rare, sounds very formal or old-fashioned.
Most Americans would never use it in daily conversation.
Canadian English
Similar to American usage — hardly used except in very formal, ceremonial, or joking contexts.
British English
Still exists in formal settings (business introductions, very polite first meetings).
Important: it’s not really a question — it’s a formal greeting.
Standard reply: “How do you do?” (you repeat it back, rather than answering literally).
talk the talk
Sure, she talks the talk, but can she walk the walk? Will she actually do what she promises?
walk the walk
As the saying goes, “Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk!”
pie in the sky
Is that even possible, or is that ‘pie in the sky’ thinking? — Rachel Wells, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
meet one’s Waterloo
The governor finally met his Waterloo in the last election.