Learning a language takes time and effort,
especially if it is not your first language. Even if it is your mother tongue,
you still need time and effort to master it. Language is forever changing. What
is currently popular may be replaced by something else in years to come, and
the use of slang is a strong testament to that. 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.
Not in the same street: not in the same class or category.
Not in the same street: not in the same class or category.
e.g.
Of course, my car in not in the same street as yours: you paid a lot more.
Look
alive: hurry up.
e.g. Look
alive! We don't want to miss our flight.
Go
under: fail.
e.g. I
am sorry to say that all your proposals have gone
under.
Gray
matter: brains.
e.g. To
solve this complex problem, you need gray
matter, which you don;t have.
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.
.
Hook it: depart immediately.
e.g. Come on, hook it; our parents will be
back soon.
Back to square one: back to where one started.
e.g. We're back
to square one: no deal.
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.
Stephen Lau
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