What's the meaning of...

[Blabbermouth]

What's the meaning of the following expressions?:
* To be in a righteous state
* To push the envelope
* Talk greasy

Lately, I've continually seen these colloquial expressions by reading magazines etc, but unfortunately I havent really managed to find their meaning in any of my dictionaries. So on the humble, It would've been great if you would post me some answers.
Thanks.

[Supergirl]

to be in a state of peace, or in a good situation
to take something too far, to ask too much, or to ask for too much
I haven't heard talk greasy. But if I were to guess, I would say either a smooth talker or a sweet talker - someone who can get you to do something just by the things they say. Or it could be a guy who thinks he can get his way or get you to do something but isn't good at it. (one who uses cheesy pick up lines).

[Blabbermouth]

Thanks SuperGirl you're really super and I appreciate your reply but listen, I posted the same question at the "ask a teacher" forum and here's the answer I got from tdol:

* To be in a righteous state - feel morally superior
* To push the envelope - go to the limits
* Talk greasy - I haven't heard this, but imagine it's unpleasant talk aiming at corruption.

With an eye to his/her reply being a bit different than yours, I'm wondering who's right and who's not, and are both of you right?;)

I've also found some new expressions I can't find the meaning of:

* sneak a peak
* phony business
* don't judge a book by its cover

Thanks in advance girl...

[Tdol]

I think the differences are in interpretation- 'righteous' is a loaded word and can be viewed positively or negatively. 'Push the envelope' has its origin in trying to break the sound barrier. However, I have seen it used to describe self-destructive behaviour, like drug taking. If a drug user is pushing the envelope, are they going to the limits of endurance, or going beyond limits of what is acceptable? If you look at this defintion, you will see that it carries some of both: http://www.wordorigins.org/wordorp.htm

Sneal a peek = take a quick look
Phony business= phony is false, so it's some unethical or illegal business (or matter- it doesn't nevessarily have to be a crooked company)
don't judge a book by its cover- appearances can deceive- don't judge people on the superficial aspect opf outward appearacne.

[Blabbermouth]

Thanks Tdol you've been a great help, damn I love this forum;)

[Tdol]

You're welcome, Blabbermouth. Glad you like it- it's the questions that make it.

[Marylin]

Originally Posted by Blabbermouth

What's the meaning of the following expressions?:
* To be in a righteous state
* To push the envelope
* Talk greasy

Lately, I've continually seen these colloquial expressions by reading magazines etc, but unfortunately I havent really managed to find their meaning in any of my dictionaries. So on the humble, It would've been great if you would post me some answers.
Thanks.

* Talk greasy - American slang for talking about drugs and their sale ( phrase created in the 70's)

[Tdol]

Thanks, Marylin- I didn't know that one.

[Blabbermouth]

Oh you people are wonderful, thanks Marilyn!
And guess what, I've found a new expression I'm not really familiar with. I've heard it a couple of times but I'm not quite sure what it means. So here you go...

* Franchise (like in "I'm the franchise" etc)

Thanks in advance :)

[Marylin]

Originally Posted by tdol

Thanks, Marylin- I didn't know that one.

You are welcome, Tdol !