Five English catchphrases that will come in handy in communication

Many immigrants or those learning English want to sound like native speakers. To expand your vocabulary, it’s not enough to just learn words — it’s important to know catchphrases, too. New York ForumDaily has collected words and phrases that are sure to make your speech richer and more interesting.

Idioms, proverbs and catchphrases are important components communication. They allow us to convey deep meaning with just a few words. It's a kind of code that helps quickly convey the nuances of an idea.

Quirky

• Cunning (rather smart).

For example: The man's eyes briefly flashed with approval and genuine admiration for the cunning girl.

• Quirky (closer to “smart” – dexterous, resourceful).

For example: He was notoriously difficult to work with, demanding and exacting and quirky, but he was brilliant.

Meticulous

• Meticulous (scrupulous, meticulous).

For example: You're not the most meticulous of people.

On the subject: The Twelve Funniest Words in the English Language

• Persnickety (meticulous, pedantic).

For example: His persnickety approach to planning often delayed projects unnecessarily.

Toad strangling

• I would rather die than pay.

For example: I would rather die than pay these taxes.

I'm done for

• It's over for me.

For example: If it is over for him, then it is over for me, too.

• I am screwed (slang: “I’m screwed”).

For example: Michael, if he tests, I am screwed.

Weight in gold

• Like gold dust (worth its weight in gold).

For example: Water's like gold dust up here since we stopped drilling.