287. “That is altogether above my bend:” say, out of my power.
288. “He has absquatulated, and taken the specie with him:” absconded is a more classical word.
289. “It’s eenamost time we had started:” say, almost.
290. “I haven’t ary one:” say, I have neither, or, I haven’t either.
291. “That man is in a bad box:” say, bad predicament, or bad situation.
292. It may be doubted whether to say of a man “that he barked up the wrong tree,” is a complimentary or elegant metaphor.
293. “I will retain two-thirds, and give you the balance:” say, remainder.
294. “I calculate to go by steam:” say, “I expect.”
295. Avoid using the phrase “I cave in,” for “I give up.” It savors of slang.
296. Do not say, “chicken fixings,” for “trifles,” or “extras,” connected with dress.