To give up the ghost

The police are used to seeing the <u><em>seamy side of life</em></u>.

She was in a <u><em>brown study</em></u> and did not notice my entrance.

We should <u><em>give a wide berth</em></u> to bad characters.

Please do not indulge in <u><em>double dealing</em></u>.

it is <u><em>out of the question</em></u> for only one to have a quiet meal with a set of ultras…

While the ladies continued their <u><em>small talk</em></u> in the drawing room, I felt bored.

To be at one's finger's ends

The present syllabus leaves very <u><em>little elbowroom</em></u> for teachers to be innovative.