I just paid him a left-handed compliment.

To speak daggers

He works by <u><em>fits and starts</em></u>.

You need rest; you look a bit <u><em>run down</em></u>.

Whenever I meet him he <u><em>pulls a long face</em></u>.

He is really a <u><em>broken reed</em></u>.

He knew she was dead but was completely <u><em>at sea</em></u> about the cause of her death.

He believes in the policy of <u><em>making hay while the sun shines</em></u>.

He was trying <u><em>to put across</em></u> his ideas to his audience.