To give a rap on the knuckles

By the rule of thumb

I am sure he <u><em>means business</em></u>.

Harassed by repeated acts of injustice. he decided to <u><em>put his foot down</em></u>.

To cry wolf

Once in a blue moon

If you <u><em>rub him the wrong way</em></u>, he is bound to react.

To pull strings

The university will have to <u><em>shelve</em></u> its plans for expansion in view of present si…