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. 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.
Slow on the uptake: slow to understand.
e.g. I'm a bit slow on the uptake. Can you
explain it once more?
Monkey business: foolish behavior.
e.g. Behave yourself! Stop this monkey business of yours!
Pile on the agony: exaggerate.
e.g. Don't pile
on the agony; it's not as bad as it looks.
In the bag: pretty certain.
e.g. I tell you what: your promotion is in
the bag.
Are you with me?: understand or agree with me.
e.g. I've been explaining this for an
hour. Are you with me?
Have someone by the short hair: have control over; have someone at a
disadvantage.
e.g. Not having adequate preparation will
let your opponent have you by
the short hair.
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.
In a jiffy: soon.
e.g. The manager will see you in
a jiffy.
Half-baked: silly.
e.g. Will you stop that half-baked behavior!
Fall over oneself: too eager.
e.g. He fell
over himself to
get that job.
Finger in the pie: share of responsibility.
e.g. He wants to have his finger
in every pie that
we are going.
Stephen Lau
