The trade union's seemingly rightful demand is only a stalking horse to blackmail the management.

Despite the trust bestowed on the minister he turned out to be <u><em>a snake in the grass</em></u&…

It was <u><em>out of place</em></u> for him to talk on politics when the seminar was arranged to…

I just paid him a <u><em>left-handed compliment</em></u>.

The project did not appear to <u><em>hold out</em></u> bright prospects.

We should <u><em>do away with</em></u> the present examination system.

To snap one's fingers

He was <u><em>in high spirits</em></u> when I met him in the restaurant.

To cross swords