They wine and dine clients in festive tents, promoting their image of achievement and success.
2) Eat One's Lunch-to defeat one-
I've been practicing really hard because I refuse to let my nemesis eat my lunch again.
3) Eat One's Hat-a humorous action that one will allegedly take if something very unlikely happens-
Kevin is always late, so if he actually shows up on time, I'll eat my hat.
4) The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side-other people's circumstances or belongings always seem more desirable than one's own-
The grass is always greener on the other side - the sooner you realize that and stop comparing your life to others', the happier you'll be!
5) Grasping At Straws-trying to find some way to succeed when nothing you choose is likely to work, trying to find a reason to feel hopeful in a bad situation-
We searched all the backup tapes, trying to find the missing files, but we knew we were grasping at straws.
6) Keep An Ear To The Ground-to listen for any indication of what is happening or will happen-
I know Kim is keeping her ear to the ground in case word gets out about the promotion.
7) Joined At The Hip-always near or spending a lot of time with someone else, often a close friend-
Every time I see Jenna, Kelli is right there with her. Those two are really joined at the hip these days.
8) Walk The Talk-to back up one's boastful talk with meaningful actions-
This consultant has sold us on some pretty radical ideas, but it remains to be seen whether he can walk the talk.
9) Ruffle Feathers-say or do something which upsets or annoys people-
His new management style ruffled a few feathers.
10) Buy A Lemon-to purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops running after you drive it away-
We often try to save money by buying second-hand cars but little do we realise that we may be buying a lemon.
11) A Bad Egg-a dishonest or ill-behaved person-
We could tell he was a bad egg even at a young age.
12) Tie The Knot-to get married-
So when are you two going to tie the knot?
13) Lend Someone One's Ear-to listen attentively to someone-
Even if you disagree with someone, you should still lend them your ear and try to understand their point of view.
14) Make Someone's Day-make an otherwise ordinary or dull day pleasingly memorable for someone-
Seeing those little kids having so much fun just made my day.
15) Beef About-to complain or gripe about someone or something-Of course Marjorie is beefing about how I left dishes out in the kitchen -
she's not happy unless everything is perfectly put away.
16) Beef Up-to increase something, often in strength-
With all these protesters here, we definitely need to beef up security.
17) Sweeten The Pot-to make something more enticing, alluring, or attractive, especially from a financial perspective-
He was still unsure whether he wanted the job, so the company offered to sweeten the pot with an excellent pension plan.
18) Yellow Journalism-sensationalist journalism with the main goal of attracting attention and readers, rather than presenting an unbiased account of the news-
It may have begun at the turn of the century, but yellow journalism is alive and well, from the supermarket tabloids to all the talking heads on cable news.
19) A Knight In Shining Armour-someone who saves you from a difficult or dangerous situation-
Thank you so much for fixing my flat tire. You are a knight in shining armour.
20) Break New/fresh Ground-do something innovative and beneficial-
This case breaks new ground of great constitutional importance.
