327. “I reckon it is going to rain:” say, I think, or expect. Reckon applies to calculation.
328. “The basket is pretty large:” avoid, if possible, the use of the word pretty out of its legitimate signification; the language abounds with substitutes more elegant.
329. “She weighs a plaguy sight:” say, a great deal.
330. “He made tracks at sundown:” say, he left, or escaped.
331. “He was compelled to fork over the cash:” say, to pay over.
332. “To flunk out” is a vulgar expression for to retire through fear; the most that can be tolerated is, to sneak out.
333. “When last observed, he was going at full chisel:” say, at the top of his speed.
334. “That bill is a counterfeit:” the last syllable is pronounced as if written fit, and not feet.
335. “I am very much obliged to you:” do not say obleeged.
336. The following sentence affords an example of three words of similar pronunciation, but different signification: “It is not easy to pare a pear with a pair of scissors.”