LessonsSeinfeld | The Contest › Because it’s there

"Because it’s there"

Definition

This is a humorous or sarcastic way to explain why you did something. You are basically saying, "I did it just because I could." George uses it as a lazy excuse for why he was caught doing something inappropriate.

How to use it

The phrase originally comes from mountain climber George Mallory, who said he wanted to climb Everest "because it's there." When used humorously in everyday speech, it means you had no real reason, the opportunity just presented itself.

Examples

"Why did I eat the whole cake? Because it was there."

"I didn't need the shoes. But they were 50% off and they were there."

From the lesson

Seinfeld | The Contest

This phrase appears in the Seinfeld | The Contest lesson. Open it to watch the scene and download the free worksheet.

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