Language precision challenge!

[BlueHouse]

I recently found myself using the phrase "get my ducks in a row" and was appalled at what a silly phrase it is, not to mention intellectually lazy.  So I've decided to try to spend one full week using language that describes what it means, with no idioms, metaphors, (similes may be okay) or any other turn of phrase in an attempt to challenge myself and see just how much these sayings permeate our everyday language. 

If anyone else wants to join in on this challenge, please share your experiences. 

Need to put all my ducks in a row -->  need to prepare

[Serendip]

I like the idea of this challenge but will see if I actually catch myself using language in this way.
If I do, I will report back.
:)

[Dicey]

I've noticed quite a bit of verbal sloppiness lately.

I'm gonna...I wanna...I dunno...

I believe I need this challenge.

Thank you.

[BlueHouse]

Everything on the news seems to be "exploding" 

The jobs market, the economy, the carjacking, crime, drug use.  Sometimes difficult to know whether they mean in a good way or a bad.  I can't imagine how difficult this is for non-native-English speakers.