a cranked axle

[…] when Mrs. Giddy-gaddy came to take out her clothes, deep green stains appeared on every thing, for she had forgotten the green silk lining of a certain cape, and its color had soaked nicely into the pink and blue gowns, the little chemises, and even the best ruffled petticoat. […] “Lay them on the grass to bleach,” said Daisy, with an air of experience.

The warrior bishops, electors, pfalzgrafs, and knights of the empire, all swore it was no shame not to be a match for Sathanas.

he that lopes on the ropes