He is out and out a reactionary.

I did not mind what he was saying, he was only <u><em>talking through his hat</em></u>.

To disabuse one's mind

He always says that he will help, but when it <u><em>comes to the crunch</em></u>, he does nothi…

The robber <u><em>took to his heels</em></u> when the police arrived.

To ride hell for Leather

The old man was <u><em>cut to the quick</em></u> when his rich son refused to recognise him.

A fair crack of the whip

He was undecided. He <u><em>let the grass grow under his feet</em></u>.