To think people should use these words/phrases more often

[SybilRamkin]

Inspired by the 'hubster' thread, there are several words and phrases in our glorious language that have been much neglected of late, and I resolve to use them more often.

My current favourites:

"I don't like the cut of your jib"

"steal a march [on someone]"

"lollygagging"

What words and/or phrases do you think should be brought back into common parlance?

Someone used "knocked into a cocked hat" on a conference call I was on once to much hilarity. I like that one.

Fly by night

Moonlight flit

Yes, what IS lollygagging please?

I am going to be disliking the cut of dhs jib a lot in this house from now on!
Keep em coming, I could do with some spares now I cant swear around the house with the baby

Neither use not ornament

This might be a bit specialist, but we like "we've had a good day Jim, let someone else have a go for the caravan". Shortened often to "we've had a good day, Jim". As heard on Bullseye and meaning we'll quit while we're ahead.

I use loads of these :)

Shenanigans tends to be only used for smaller people faffing about at bedtime.

Heebijeebies is a favourite.

I also like the cut of people's jibs.

Another firm favourite is 'this is neither fishing nor mending nets' when someone is, well, faffing about.

He fell oot the ugly tree, hitting every branch on the way doon!

Seattle did you know that "berk" is rhyming slang for cunt? Berkshire Hunt...

I didn't until I used it at work in front of a room of people for whom it bore that meaning. Actually, I think it won me some respect

Little donkeys have long ears.

Was a favourite of my nanas, along with listening to the wireless. I use both now

I'm quite partial to tomfoolery. And also to look hither and thither.

I want to bring back the chinny reckon.

For someone who's lost;
'wandering round like a lost dog at a fairground'

Lollygagging means to pass time aimlessly or dawdle. I think.

In a similar vein to the heebie-jeebies, I love the screaming ab-dabs.

smallfish I may or may not have called my smallest small a berk! Oh dear. I should be more judicious in my choice of insults!!

janesaysl, my mother says 'in and out like a dog at a fair. I'm not sure it bears close scrutiny, but it always mskes me

My hero Montalbano is always 'cursing the Saints'. I should very much like to know how to do this and then I will go it all the time.

Sod that for a game of soldiers

I didn't come up on the down train

Similar to blue ... Little jugs have big ears :)

Goring, I'll use that one next

Lollygagging:
To spend time aimlessly; to be idle.
North American origins. A person can be a lollygagger

My favourites are:

Shitting over 9 hedges (diaorrhea).
As welcome as a fart in a spacesuit.
All fur coat and no knickers.

Diabolical.
Dastardly.
Wifferama (thanks to Dinnerladies)

Oh and my own take on an old classic;

Needs must when the devil whatnots

• 'I am mightily vexed' / ' this is most vexing'
• 'how vulgar'
• 'quite ghastly'

I am aware that I sound like I would like to live in a Victorian novel.

I love great lummox and bobby dazzler.

We've brought back "chinny reckon" at work. Brightens up many a dull day in the office.
I like "wandering about like a fart in a trance".