Help!

[Mark A Mandel]

On Mon, 17 Jun 2002, s. . . wrote:

#Dear all, I would like to know if there is an
#expression in English to wish a colleague or friend
#"a good working day" (meaning "work well").

None that I can think of.

#Also, can you think of any way to say "if you knew
#poverty..." or "if you were poorer...," which comment
#would be directed to people who seem to take material
#comforts for granted, are never thankful for what they
#have and are therefore "blasé." Thanks!

No standard expression with that exact sense and usage, nothing
lexicalized in the way of "Have a nice day" or "Knock on wood". In the
neighborhood are "You have it easy" or "You think you have it hard" or
"Look who's complaining", any of which would be followed by explanation,
e.g., "Plenty of people ..." or "There are millions who'd trade places
with you in an instant". WARNING: Saying anything like this is likely to
be received with some hostility, as would anything else fulfilling your
request.

-- Mark A. Mandel
   Linguist at Large