The staff have felt on edge ever since they heard the rumour about retrenchment.

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

It is no longer easy to <u><em>strike gold</em></u> in Shakespeare's research since much work ha…

His plan was so complicated that it <u><em>floored</em></u> his listeners.

To turn the cover

He is in the habit of <u><em>fishing in troubled waters</em></u>.

Be in the mire

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

To be lost in the cloud