break the mold

move heaven and earth

try A's patience

in all but name

rub up

bring home the bacon

in no shape

teething troubles

one's two cents

over the hump

go cold turkey

burst at the seams

cross A's path

off the beaten track

butter up

a tough nut

up the creek

cut each other's throats

from ear to ear

buy the farm

take the bull by the horns

by a nose

go into a tailspin

to a T

drown one's sorrows

by accident or design

dope out

in stitches

give up the ghost

by the seat of one's pants

muddle about

butter up

pull rank

by the yard

fly the coop

come into the world

call A to account

on the right side of

be one's bag

a knight in shining armor