- The start of the Year of the Dragon and Valentine’s Day had us indulging in a lot of sugar
- This listicle on lingo related to desserts will make your writing as delectable as possible
The traditional Chinese candy box for Lunar New Year has lots of sweet treats. Photo: ShutterstockAs we welcomed in the Year of the Dragon and celebrated Valentine’s Day this month, our taste buds were treated to an array of delectable sweet treats. From traditional Lunar New Year goodies to romantic chocolates, we indulged in delightful confections. With all things dessert on our minds, this week, we share 10 idioms and slang lingo that will sweeten up your writing.
Brownie points
Meaning: to get praise or approval for something you have done
Example: Students strive to earn brownie points by actively taking part in class discussions and submitting homework on time.
Chocolate-box
Meaning: something that looks very attractive, but is traditional and boring
Example: With blooming flowers and a waterfall, the village is a chocolate-box retreat from city life.
Eye candy
Meaning: someone or something that is visually attractive or pleasing but not very interesting or useful
Example: Many people buy this shop’s eye candy only to find the items fall apart after one use.
Like taking candy from a baby
Meaning: something is incredibly easy or effortless
Example: Solving a primary school maths problem is like taking candy from a baby for Alice, who passed the Mensa IQ test with high marks.
Let it go: 8 Frozen quotes that will warm your heart
Have your cake and eat it too
Meaning: to do or have two desired things at the same time
Example: Jane wants to quit her job while saving money to buy a flat, but she can’t have her cake and eat it too.
Smart cookie
Meaning: a clever person who makes good decisions
Example: Rebecca is the smart cookie in the class who always gets straight As and excels in every subject.
The cream of the crop
Meaning: the best of a group of similar things or people
Example: After a rigorous recruitment process, the company hired the cream of the crop, assembling a team of highly skilled professionals who were experts in their fields.
Tough cookie
Meaning: a person who can deal with challenging situations and not be easily defeated, frightened, or upset
Example: Mary is a tough cookie who battled with arthritis for several years but was never daunted.
Whimsical, fantastical vocabulary: 10 magical terms sure to bewitch you
Take the biscuit
Meaning: to be especially annoying or frustrating
Example: The singer’s live performance was so off-key and out of tune it took the biscuit.
That’s the way the cookie crumbles
Meaning: when something bad happens, one must accept things the way they are
Example: I did my best to practise for the piano competition but didn’t make it to the finals. That’s the way the cookie crumbles.