Non of this hanky-panky; please talk straight.

The detective <u><em>left no stone unturned</em></u> to trace the culprit.

To set the people by ears

The story published in the newspaper is not true, but the journalist has <u><em>painted it in bright colours…

To be in abeyance

I have been betrayed by my own <u><em>flesh and blood</em></u>.

Since he already has <u><em>cushy job</em></u>, he can afford to be extravagant.

At Christmas, even the elderly fathers <u><em>paint the town red</em></u>.

To throw down the glove