Word-for-word phrase

Do one thing

Here is a suggestion; this is what you can do.

Do one thing: send me the file tonight.

Here's an idea / Why don't you

A friendly way to make a suggestion.

Here's an idea: why don't you send me the file tonight?

Remember: A word-for-word version of a very common Indian-language phrase. Indian listeners know it; international listeners may wait for 'one thing' to be named. Say 'Here's an idea'.

Short lessonPhrases that don't translateSome Indian English phrases are word-for-word translations. Listeners in India get them at once; international listeners may not.

More like this

My head is painingI have a headache.Word-for-word phrase Cousin brother / cousin sisterA male cousin ('cousin sister' = a female cousin).Word-for-word phrase What to do?Nothing can be done; we must accept it.Word-for-word phrase