It was such a messy affair but Manish somehow managed to wash his hands of the entire affair.

I felt that it was a <u><em>tall order</em></u> to expect Monisha to go home alone at twelve in …

To carry the coal to Newcastle

The rebels <u><em>held out</em></u> for about a month.

It is clear that the ideas of both reformers <u><em>ran in the same groove</em></u>.

He is <u><em>out and out</em></u> a reactionary.

The members of the group were <u><em>at odds</em></u> over the selection procedure.

To break the ice

To hold somebody to ransom