English Slang

English Slang

For a song: very cheaply.

e.g. I got that piece of antique for a song.

Tall story: exaggerated story

e.g. No one would believe your tall story.

French leave: leave without permission.

e.g. My boss found out I took my French leave yesterday to pick you up from the airport.

There are no flies on: very alert and sharp.

e.g. Don't try to trick him; there are no flies on him.

Go under: fail.

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

No oil painting: ugly.

e.g. To tell the truth, the dress you bought me is no oil painting.

Till the cow comes home: never; indefinitely.

e.g. "When do you think he will find a job?" "Till the cow comes home."

Up and coming: making a reputation.

e.g. This candidate is up and coming in the presidential election.

The ticket: the right thing to do.

e.g. Perseverance is the ticket to success in any endeavor.

Say-so: permission.

e.g. Do I have your say-so to launch the project?

See with half an eye: see easily.

e.g. The mistake is so obvious: you can see it with half an eye.

For keeps: permanently.

e.g. I think the temporary assistant may be here for keeps.

Saw you coming: realized your ignorance.

e.g. You gave him the money right away without asking any question; he saw you coming!

Fork out: pay

e.g. Well, everybody has to fork out $30 for the farewell present to the boss.

That's a big one: a lie.

e.g. That was a big one. Do you expect me to believe it?

Stephen Lau

Copyright© 2018 by Stephen Lau