For now, however, the operative phrase around campus is cautious optimism.

On the other hand, the operative phrase was as far as he knew.

"I don't think anybody actually has a clue" was one operative phrase.

The operative phrase was, "You paid how much for this?"

As far as they were concerned, the operative phrase was: Kill everyone.

The operative phrase is "looks like" and it might almost be a mantra.

The operative phrase is "a lot," and there are many people who would disagree with it.

The operative phrase is, of course, given enough time.

"Customer service" stood as the operative phrase of her administration.

The operative phrase is "television history," which in this case has no relation to social history.