clear as mud

cop out

take one's eyes off

thrash out

drag in

in aid of

on the quiet

through and through

carry through

live by one's wits

throw money at

swarm with

against the clock

in the clear

thumb one's nose at

strike a balance

tie A in knots

button up

well out of

hit the spot

coop up

change one's tune

tie the knot

crowd in on

come out ahead

tighten one's belt

put the cart before the horse

to the root

freeze out

open book

time on one's hands

lay down one's arms

deliver the goods

olive branch

tip the balance

can't buy

serve out

lose the thread

to add insult to injury

breathe down A's neck