I think this week’s common Aussie slang, as flash as a rat with a gold tooth, is a great expression. Although I’ve never had cause to use it, I do hope I’ll have the chance someday.

Put simply it means “ostentatious, showy and a bit too flashily dressed” (Australian National University). It is usually used to describe a man, not a woman, who we feel cannot be trusted. This man, although he may be well dressed and well groomed, also seems kind of dodgy and should probably be avoided.

A: What do you think of John? He seems to like you.
B: John? He’s as flash as a rat with a good tooth.
He’s not my type at all.

In English, rat is an offensive word that is used to describe an unpleasant person who deceives others or is not loyal. So, the phrase as flash as a rat with a gold tooth is not at all complimentary.

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Glossary

cause – a reason to do something

ostentatious [disapproving] – behaving in a way to get attention or admiration, often by showing money or power

showy [disapproving] – attracting a lot of attention by being very colouorful or bright, but without any real beauty

flashily [disapproving] – in a way that looks too bright, big, and expensive, and is intended to get attention and admiration

well dressed – wearing attractive and stylish clothes

well groomed – (especially of a person) clean, tidy and smart

dodgy – dishonest or unreliable

offensive – impolite

deceive – to make someone believe that something false is the truth

complimentary – praising or expressing admiration for someone