Everyday Slang for ESL Learners

In the raw: naked.

e.g. Did you see that man on the street? He was dancing in the raw.

Go down with: be accepted or approved by.

e.g. The President's speech went down with the Spanish community.

Not so dusty: quite good.

e.g. Well the performance was not so dusty; much better than I expected.

Go one better than: surpass.

e.g. He went one better than his sister in playing the piano.

Get out of bed of the wrong side: be irritable.

e.g. Your Mom seems to have got out of bed on the wrong side.

Drive up the wall: irritate intensely.

e.g. Don't drive me up the wall every time I see you.

In the clear: innocent.

e.g. I know you didn't do it; the investigation will put you in the clear.

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.

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.

Fine weather for ducks: very wet weather.

e.g. "It's raining cats and dogs." "Fine weather for ducks."

Do one's bit: do one's share of responsibility.

e.g. I've done my bit; I hope it's going to work.

Stephen Lau     

Copyright© by Stephen Lau