The never-never:
the hire-purchase system.
e.g.
Renting a car puts you on the never-never.
The
old boy: the boss.
e.g.
What did the old boy say about your leaving early today?
Have it in for someone: bear someone a grudge; be determined to punish someone.
e.g.
All these years he has it in for you: you married his
sweetheart.
Not a
patch on: nothing to compare with; very inferior to.
e.g.
Your current proposal is not a
patch on your previous one.
Hold
one's horse: wait a minute; not immediately.
e.g.
Dinner is ready, but hold your horse; wait for the host to
come down!
In
good nick: in good condition.
e.g.
If I were you, I would buy this car; it's in good nick.
Hook
on to: attach oneself to.
e.g.
Don't hook on to your computer all day.
Guinea-pig:
person used as a subject for tests or investigations.
e.g. I
wouldn't like to be a guinea-pig in this scientific research, if I were
you.
Kick
the bucket: die.
e.g.
He finally kicked the bucket at the age of 95.
Kiss
of death: support that will prove damaging.
e.g.
If I were you, I would not ask for her help: it would be your kiss of death.
Till
the cow comes home: never; indefinitely.
e.g.
"When do you think he will find a job?" "Till the cow comes home."
Gumption: common sense.
e.g.
If you've some gumption, you 'll understand the difference
between this and that.
Hell
for leather: at a reckless speed.
e.g.
Some teenagers drive their cars hell for leather; they endanger not
only their lives but also those of others.
Hit
the roof: explode with anger.
e.g.
When he heard the bad news, he hit the roof.
Keep
early hours: go to bed early.
e.g. If
you want good health, keep
early hours.
Keep one's head above water: stay out of debt or a difficult situation.
e.g. In
this economic environment, it is not easy to keep
your head above water.
Stephen Lau
Copyright© by Stephen
Lau
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