grind a lens; grind an axe

He ... distributed the civil and military dignities among his favourites and followers.

Cody, you are such a silly bean I missed you like crazy! How is Bells? Is Mom feeding them all?

Then the brass bell on top of the boiler rings out and a single massive chuff! of steam issues from the bowels of the loco. Then another chuff! – a blast of steam – another chuff! and the huge drive shafts tighten against the wheels.