ESL Blogs

A letter, written by a man to his friend:

Hi, dude!

Next time you're in my neck of the woods, just call me.
We had not gone for a pint...for donkey's years.
I hope you still like a good drop of beer.
By the way...do you still smoke? Last year, I quit smoking. I quit smoking cold turkey. You know? It was not that piece of cake but my doctor told me if I don't want to kick the bucket soon, I have to quit smoking. The first days after quitting smoking, I was a little under the weather, but meanwhile, I feel more active and healthy than before. When I told my wife about quitting smoking, she said: "Man, you're all mouth and no trousers."
But then when she realized, I had done it, she was quiet.
I asked her: "You're a bit quiet. Cat got your tongue?"
She just smiled and did not say anything but I believe she was full of the joys of spring.
The fact is, even if cigarettes would cost just one penny I even wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.
Pardon my French, dude, but you are an idiot when you keep smoking.

So then dude, I hope we are still thick as thieves.
Take good care for yourself, please.
We see us!

Explanation of the idioms

To be in someone's neck of the woods = to be in someone's area.

Go for a pint = to drink something together.

To quit smoking = stop smoking.

Donkey's years = for a very long time.

To be under the weather = to feel ill or tired.

To do something cold turkey = to give up a habit or an addiction, abruptly.

To kick the bucket = to die.

To be all mouth and no trousers = to pretend to do something but never actually do it. Cat got your tongue = it 's used to compel someone to speak or to point out their silence when they're being unusually taciturn.

Someone wouldn't touch something or someone with a barge pole = to keep you far away from somewhat or someone.

To be full of the joys of spring= to be very happy.

Pardon my French = in order to excuse in advance a swear word by indicating.

To be thick as thieves = to be close friends who share each others' confidences.