The speaker gave a bird's eye view of the political conditions in the country.

To push somebody to the wall

Dowry is a <u><em>burning question</em></u> of the day.

To make the grade

He has <u><em>come up</em></u> during the last five years.

To have an easy time of it

His boss was always <u><em>breathing down his neck</em></u>.

The popularity of the yesteryears' superstar is <u><em>on the wane</em></u>.

Don't lose patience, things will improve <u><em>by and by</em></u>