(figuratively) To make harsh demands in a position of leadership.

Alternative form of crack-the-whip

To the very end; exhaustively; to the last.

Alternative form of canary in a coal mine

plural of canary in the coal mine

(idiomatic) A portion of the monetary gains or other benefits produced by some venture or activity; a share of participation in a venture or activity.

(obsolete) by the by; incidentally

(idiomatic) To make premature or unwarranted preparations for victory, especially election to public office.

To diminish the effects of (something unpleasant or severe); to dull.

(idiomatic) An agreement, especially one resulting from a gathering in which discussion or negotiation took place.