There was a job for me to cut my teeth on.

I am sure they will fight <u><em>tooth and nail</em></u> for their rights.

A snake in the grass

When he tells stories about himself, he is inclined to <u><em>draw the longbow</em></u>.

To make umbrage

He is in the habit of <u><em>throwing dust in eyes</em></u> of his superiors.

To look down one's nose at

To go to each other hammer and tongs

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