It was such a strange affair that I could not make head or tail of it.

I hope it will not <u><em>put you out</em></u> if I am late.

He will <u><em>win</em></u> this election <u><em>hands down</em></u>.

My plan to have a new car <u><em>fell through</em></u> because of the price rise.

He <u><em>passed himself off</em></u> as a noble man.

Though he has lot of money, yet all his plans are <u><em>built upon sand</em></u>.

To end in smoke

Something up one's sleeve

Those persons who are ready <u><em>to sail close to the wind</em></u> can be successful in life.