From where did this phrase come? Are receptionists trained to always reply using it? Is it supposed to be a reassuring phrase with no meaning? Today I phoned the dentist surgery to make an appointment. The conversation went like this.
Me: I'd like to book an appointment.
She: No problem at all. What is your name?
Me: Colwyn ********
She: No problem at all. What is the appointment for.
Me: I've broken a tooth.
She: No problem at all.
It was at this stage I felt like saying, "It may not be a problem to you, but bloody well is for me!" but I thought this might make booking an appointment a little more difficult ... so I kept quiet.