Phrases we could live without

Sir, – “Past its sell-by date”. Editor, take note. – Yours, etc,

GERRY JORDAN,

Rehins, Ballina, Co Mayo.

Sir, – “As if” can’t take the place of “Fat chance” and “Put a cork in it” doesn’t beat a good old-fashioned “Shut up!” No pun intended to the folks in Co Cork. – Yours, etc,

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HERBERT STARK,

Carriage Club Drive,

Mooresville,

North Carolina, US.

Sir, – “Thanks for having me” and “Sorry to cut across you”, beloved of TV interviewers/interviewees everywhere. – Yours, etc,

IAN HASSELL,

Camp, Tralee, Co Kerry.

Sir, – Various different . . . –

Yours, etc,

HELENE O’BRIEN,

Sandymount Avenue,

Dublin 4.

Sir, – To “reach a crescendo”. – Yours, etc,

RICHARD FROGGATT,

Strangford Avenue,

Belfast.

Sir, – Surely worthy of inclusion in this wonderful category must be the phrase reported by the Department of Justice audit (Front page, February 4th), in describing a heading for some of Rehab's spending from public funds in 2010 as: "Hospitality associated with advocacy and lobbying"! – Yours, etc,

PAT O’KEEFFE,

Derrygarron,

Portlaoise, Co Laois.

Sir, – The matter must be put to rest immediately. Let’s have an independent inquiry. – Yours, etc,

SEÁN Ó DEORÁIN,

Monastery Walk,

Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Sir, – “Unexpected item in bagging area.” – Yours, etc,

RODNEY DEVITT,

Tritonville Lane,

Sandymount, Dublin 4.