Wordwise : SEAFOODS

By S.H. LOKE

DO you love seafood? The next time you sit down for a seafood dinner, roll on some of these seafood expressions. They will add flavour to your conversation around the table.

1. Clam

To clam up means to stop talking because you are shy or want to avoid giving away secrets.

Amy clammed up during the meeting because she was among strangers.

2. Fish

If you tell someone that there are plenty more fish in the sea, you are comforting them by saying that although their relationship with someone has failed, there are many other people they can have relationships with.

Fred is not sad about breaking up with his girlfriend, because he knows that there are plenty more fish in the sea.

3. Fishy

If you describe a situation as fishy, you feel that someone is not telling the truth or behaving honestly.

I suspected something fishy when I saw him carrying a big suitcase into my office.

4. Crabby

A crabby person is unpleasant and bad-tempered.

It is better to avoid a crabby person who can spoil your day.

5. Oyster

If you say the world is your oyster, you mean you can do anything or go anywhere you want to.

You are young, and you have your whole future ahead of you. The world is your oyster.

6. Cod

Something which is not genuine and which is intended to deceive or amuse people by looking like the real thing.

The cod shoes are not comfortable at all.

7. Herring

A red herring takes your attention away from the main subject or problem you are considering.

He planted many red herrings among the clues for the treasure hunt.

8. Shark

A person is described as a shark if he tricks people by giving bad advice about buying, selling or investing.

Nobody likes to patronise his shop because they know he is a shark.