(figuratively) to call the shots, to call the tune

Dated form of ne pas se fouler.

the fish rots from the head

(figuratively) to lose face

sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me

to throw in the towel, to give up

someone who has taken over the role of some other important person, often by devious means and motivated by a lust for power

(economics) cost of living

it's easy to criticize; those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those doing it

(figuratively) in a jolly manner, merrily, light-heartedly, insouciantly, blithely / (figuratively) boldly, bravely and enthusiastically