Learn Some Colloquial Expressions

Are you with me?: understand or agree with me.

e.g. I've been explaining this for an hour. Are you with me?

Bang out: reveal.

e.g. If you go into politics, you must be prepared to let all your secrets bang out.

Deliver the goods: do what is expected or required.

e.g. The new employee seems to deliver the goods -- very hard working and conscientious.

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.

Where one gets off: stop disagreeable behavior.

e.g. I'll tell him where he gets off.

The necessary: the cash.

e.g. You want to buy this car? Do you have the necessary?

The never-never: the hire-purchase system.

e.g. Renting a car puts you on the never-never.

Whistle for: wish in vain.

e.g. The stock market has fallen sharply. You can whistle for your money invested.

Tall story: exaggerated story

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

Tell that to the marines: do you expect anyone to believe that.

e.g. "I lost all the money at the casino." "Tell that to the marines!"

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