Colloquial Expressions

Colloquial expressions are often acceptable in informal writing. The more you learn, the more you will know when to use them or not to use them in your writing or speaking. 

Piece of cake: something easy to do.

e.g. Moving this piece of furniture is just a piece of cake.

Streets ahead of: far superior to.

e.g. As far as computer technology is concerned, he is streets ahead of me.

Good for you: well done!

e.g. "I aced my test." "Good for you!"

Hard stuff: whisky or any liquor.

"Would you like a Coke?" "I'd prefer some hard stuff."

Make one's pile: make one's fortune.

e.g. Real estate is where he makes his pile.

Go under: fail.
e.g. I am sorry to say that all your proposals have gone under.

Hook on to: attach oneself to.

e.g. Don't hook on to your computer all day.

Fork out: pay.
e.g. Everyone has to fork out $30 for the picnic.

Back to square one: back to where one started.

e.g. We're back to square one: no deal.

Hook it: depart immediately.

e.g. Come on, hook it; our parents will be back soon.

Long in the tooth: very old.
e.g. "How old is your grandfather?" Long in the tooth, I guess."

Gift of the gab: ability to give effective speeches.

e.g. The new Mayor has the gift of the gab: people like listening to him.

Not worth powder and shot: not worth the effort.

e.g. If I were you, I would just give it up; it's not worth powder and shot.

Be a devil: take a risk.

e.g. Come on, be a devil; you've nothing to lose.

Stephen Lau