Be my guest means 'sure, go ahead, feel free'. It answers a request for permission: 'May I open the window?' 'Be my guest.' Nobody is inviting anyone home; you're simply saying yes. It's usually friendly, but in an argument it can sound like a challenge: 'Go on, try it then.'
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a request for permission → Be my guest
- 'Can I borrow your ruler?' 'Be my guest.'
- 'May I open the window?' 'Be my guest; it's warm in here.'
- 'Could I try the spare keyboard?' 'Of course, be my guest.'
What changed
First version'Thanks for helping me move!' 'Be my guest!'
Revision'Thanks for helping me move!' 'You're welcome!'
Be my guest and You're welcome both sound like warm, polite replies, so be my guest easily lands after thanks. But this phrase gives permission for something the person is about to do. To answer thanks, say You're welcome.
Help yourself invites someone to take what you are offering: Help yourself to the cake. Be my guest answers someone else's request: 'Can I take a piece?' 'Be my guest.' The first is the host's idea; the second is permission.
Your turn
Your colleague asks: 'Can I borrow your stapler?' Give permission: ___
Show the answer
Be my guest — Your colleague is asking to borrow the stapler, and be my guest gives that permission. You're welcome answers thanks, and nobody has thanked you yet.
A neighbour asks if they can leave their bike by your door. Say yes in one sentence with be my guest.
'Can I leave my bike by your door?' 'Sure, be my guest.'
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