Various euphemisms on everything from spying to drinking to prison are covered in this issue's column.

Make your Russian colorful. Idioms and phrases that use the language of color.

Health and doctor related phrases and idioms are this issue's prescription for improving your Russian.

English words that have snuck into contemporary Russian usage.

On waiters and restaurant etiquette.

A look at military language that has seeped into civilian Russian life.

Religious idioms and phrases in contemporary Russian.

Useful phrases and idioms from the world of metros, trolleybuses and other public transport.

The linguistic faux pas of Russian leaders, particularly Mikhail Gorbachev.

A look at words that sound like English words, but mean nothing like what they sound like.

A detailed look at the che-ka, che-pe, tse-u and other acronyms of renown.

Colloquial compliments to offer Russian colleagues.