An aid programme was established to oil the wheels of economic reform in the region.
2) Spoon Feed Someone-to help someone excessively, usually to the recipient's detriment-
Her students are lazy because she always spoon feeds the answers to them.
3) Have Nerves Of Steel-to be very brave and calm at all times-
You need to have nerves of steel to be a fighter pilot.
4) Have A Field Day-to have the freedom or an opportunity to do something one wants, to have a very enjoyable time-
The press is going to have a field day if this story gets out.
5) Tick All The Boxes-to satisfy or fulfill everything that is necessary or desired-
His newest thriller ticks all the boxes the author's fans will be hoping for.
6) Mealy-Mouthed-not brave enough to say what you mean directly and honestly-
The mealy-mouthed politician was severely criticized by the public.
7) Be Done And Dusted-be completely finished or ready-
I'm exhausted, but at least the work is done and dusted.
8) Magnum Opus-the most important piece of work done by a writer or artist-
Picasso's Guernica is considered by many to be his magnum opus.
9) Helter-Skelter-in chaos, here and there-
People were screaming and running helter-skelter down the steps to escape the flames.
10) Smoking Gun-information that proves who committed a crime-
The tape recordings provided prosecutors with the smoking gun they needed to prove he'd been involved in the conspiracy.
11) Cardinal Sin-a serious error of judgement-
He committed the cardinal sin of criticizing his teammates.
12) Hit A Brick Wall-to come up against an immovable or insurmountable difficulty or obstacle-
Our project was going well, but we hit a brick wall when our funding was suddenly cut.
13) Put On A Pedestal-to admire or love someone so much that you believe they have no faults-
Most people put athletes and movie stars on a pedestal.
14) Cup Of Tea-if something is not your cup of tea, it is not the type of thing of that you like-
Thanks for inviting me, but ballet isn't really my cup of tea.
15) Urban Legend-a modern story of obscure origin and with little or no supporting evidence-
Are there alligators living in the New York City sewer system, or is that just an urban legend?
16) Strike A Chord-cause someone to feel sympathy, emotion, or enthusiasm-
The issue of food safety strikes a chord with almost everyone.
17) Wash Your Hands Of-to end one's association with someone or something-
She couldn't wait to wash her hands of the whole project.
18) Tie Up Loose Ends-take care of issues that are not critical but have remained outstanding-
I'm just about ready to move to Europe, but I need to tie up some loose ends with my ex-girlfriend before I go.
19) Fall On Deaf Ears-(of a statement or request) be ignored-
Their appeals to release the hostages fell on deaf ears.
20) Catch Someone Off Guard-to surprise someone in a way that makes the person feel confused or uncertain-
The news caught her completely off guard - she didn't know what to say.
