Learn some English slang. Slang is highly ephemeral: it changes from one generation to another. Slang terms come into existence for various reasons, some obvious, some inexplicable, but most of them are delightfully direct and to the point. The use of slang adds spice to speech and writing.
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Like hot cakes: very quickly
e.g. These tickets are going to sell like hot cakes.
On the carpet: about to be reprimanded
e.g. I'm afraid we're now on the carpet; we're going to get an earful from the principal.
Peg out: dying for
e.g.I'm so thirsty: I'm pegging out for a drink
Horse around: fool around
e.g. Don't just horse around; find something useful to do.
Call a spade a spade: be very frank
e.g. I'll call a spade a spade: you're dead wrong about the issue.
Hot seat: a difficult situation
e.g. If you don't follow my advice, you'll soon find yourself in a hot seat.
Cut above: slightly above
e.g. You are a cut above the rest of the candidates.
No can do: you cannot do that
e.g. This is no can do!
Hot potato: a controversial issue
e.g. Same sex marriage is a hot potato these days.
Left-handed oath: promise not to be kept
e.g. Your promise is no more than a left-handed oath.
Stephen Lau
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