to defend oneself from hazards, criticisms, etc.; to fend off difficulties

saying is one thing, doing is another; easier said than done

as fast as possible

to run one's course

(idiomatic) to split hairs

all that is implied but not spoken about

(transitive, idiomatic, colloquial, vulgar) to fool, to deceive / (transitive, idiomatic, colloquial, vulgar) to make fun of, to tease

to play with fire (to do something risky)

clear as daylight, plain as day

(idiomatic) the die is cast (the future is determined)