by a head

through the grapevine

not so hot

swim against the tide

no end of

put one's feet up

through thick and thin

pitch into

rest on one's laurels

hold the fort

throw down the gauntlet

shell game

throw one's weight behind

with flying colors

take a dim view of

save one's skin

on the button

throw oneself on

third time lucky

get A into shape

have no measure

easy as pie

throw stones at

break bread

get fresh

throw the book at

spread oneself

to a fault

hold a candle to

pink slip

thumb through

pop the question

knock up

think the world of

tie A's hands

scrape up

pave the way to

tip the scales

an ugly duckling

make oneself felt