будь добр

• БУДЬ ДОБР (БУДЬТЕ ДОБРЫ or ДОБРЫ, БУДЬ ЛЮБЕЗЕН, БУДЬТЕ ЛЮБЕЗНЫ)

[formula phrase; these forms only; fixed WO]

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1. (used to express a polite request) be obliging and do what I am asking you to do:

- (please <would you>) be so kind as to...;

- would you be kind enough to...;

- would you please (kindly, mind)...;

- might I trouble you to (for a)...;

- do me a favor and...

     ♦ [Серебряков:] Друзья мои, пришлите мне чай в кабинет, будьте добры! (Чехов 3). [S.:] My friends, be so kind as to have my tea brought to the study (3a).

     ♦ В прихожей заверещал звонок... Скрипач поднял голову и попросил: "Откройте дверь, будьте любезны" (Семёнов 1). ...The doorbell tinkled in the hall. The violinist lifted his head and said: "Do me a favour and open the door, will you?" (1a).

2. (used to express a demand that may go against the will of the person addressed) do what I am telling you (even if you do not want to):

- make sure that (you do(don'tdo) sth.);

- be sure (to do (not to do) sth.);

- be sure and (do sth.);

- make it a point (not) to...;

- see that you (do <don't do> sth.);

- if you please;

- [with ironic intonation] please (would you) be so kind as to (not)...;

- would you be kind enough (not) to...;

- would you please (kindly, mind) (not)...

     ♦ "Потрудись отправиться в Орлеан, - сказал Поклен-отец... - и держи экзамен на юридическом факультете. Получи ученую степень. Будь так добр, не провались, ибо денег на тебя ухлопано порядочно" (Булгаков 5). "You will now be kind enough to take a trip to Organs," said Poquelin the elder... wand take an examination in jurisprudence. You must get a degree. And see that you don't fail, for I spent plenty of money on you" (5a).

     ♦ [Кай:] A слёзы нам ни к чему. Без них, будьте любезны (Арбузов 2). [К.:] Tears won't help. No tears, if you please (2a).