When it comes to leftovers - according to my son, a dab is between 1//4 and 1/2 cup; a dibby-dab is less than 1/4 cup of food.

When DH used to go over to his brother's house - he would say "I'll be just a few minutes - four hours later, his *sorry self* was still there!

I usually did not mind when he went - I just minded - a lot - his inaccurate time "estimate". Especially when supper was ready - and he was advised that it was ready - and he did not show up on a timely basis. HIs brother's house was a very leisurely five minute walk away from our house.

That was oh so many years ago. I think DH would give a lot to be able to hang out with his brother like they did way back when.

I still would mind his not showing up to eat when the food was ready - especially when he had requested that it be ready at such and such a time.

My DH talking about projects he's finagled me into helping with:
Only going to take a few minutes....actual time can be anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours.
Only going to take 30 minutes...actual time can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours.
This project is going to be really easy...actual time would be longer than he said & a LOT harder than he said.

for me, "a while" means go find something else to do to keep you busy as it's not going to be quick.

Don't use the others.

My favorites are "a s**t ton" and "a cr@p load". Which one is more? 😆

How long is "a while" for you?- any time more than a few minutes

How far is "go a piece" for distance?- haven't heard that one.

How much is "a dab"? Is a "dibby-dab" more or less than "a dab"? Don't know but if it's something I like it doesn't sound like much :D

"season to taste" - to me it means how I want the finished dish to taste.