They were able to clear the air by producing the document in question, so that we could all see it for ourselves.
2) Set The Wheels In Motion-to do something that will cause a series of actions to start-
We've been planning the details for months, but it's ultimately up to the boss to set the wheels in motion.
3) Do Someone's Bidding-to do what someone else wants or has requested, to the point of servitude-
I hate how my mother always wants me to do her bidding - I refuse to do what she wants any longer!
4) Grit Your Teeth-to accept a difficult situation and deal with it in a determined way, be angry-
We had to grit our teeth and agree with their conditions because we wanted the contract.
5) Rob Peter To Pay Paul-take something away from one person to pay another, discharge one debt only to incur another-
Funding for the new college was a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, reducing the budget all around for other not so well known colleges.
6) Pig In A Poke-something that is purchased without having been thoroughly inspected, often with negative consequences-
Purchasing a home without getting it inspected first is like buying a pig in a poke.
7) Fly In The Ointment-a single thing or person that is spoiling a situation that could have been very positive or enjoyable-
I'm looking forward to Sunday, the only fly in the ointment being the fact that I'll have to sit next to my mother-in-law.
8) Fate Worse Than Death-something you do not want to experience because it is so unpleasant-
I appreciate Gina inviting me to go with her to the theater, but having to listen to those opera singers would be a fate worse than death.
9) Drop In The Ocean/bucket-a very small amount compared to the amount needed-
I'm glad Tony started repaying the money he borrowed from me, but the five dollars he gave me yesterday is just a drop in the ocean compared to what he still owes.
10) Dish Fit For The Gods-food that is full of taste and of an exemplary quality-
She is such a wonderful cook. The cakes that she bakes are a dish fit for the gods!
11) Be Another/a Different Kettle Of Fish-to be completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about-
Having knowledge is one thing but being able to communicate it to others is another kettle of fish.
12) Diamond In The Rough-a person who has good qualities despite a rough exterior, a person with great potential-
He's a diamond in the rough - a little hard to take at times, but very smart and helpful.
13) Bunch Of Fives-a fist-
That kid is in the nurse's office with a bloody nose because the bully gave him a bunch of fives in the face.
14) Not Give/care A Toss-to not be worried at all by something-
Do whatever you want, I don't give a toss.
15) A Pat On The Back-an expression or gesture of praise or approval-
The only reason she stays late at work is to receive a pat on the back from her boss.
16) Grind Someone's Gears-to greatly or specifically irritate or annoy someone-
It really grinds my gears when cyclists go zipping through red lights!
17) Come Of Age-to reach adulthood, to develop or progress fully-
Watching my daughters come of age has been the biggest joy of my life.
18) A Conflict Of Interest-a situation in which someone cannot make a fair decision because they will be affected by the result-
I need to declare a conflict of interest here - one of the candidates for the job is a friend of mine.
19) Put Your Foot In Your Mouth-to say or do something that you should not have, esp. something that embarrasses someone else-
I really put my foot in my mouth - I asked her if Jane was her mother, but she said Jane is her sister.
20) A Safety Net-some backup that someone has in case of potential problems, often financial ones-
With the unpredictability of freelance work, I always make sure I have money in my savings account as a safety net.
