A thorn in the flesh.

A thorn in the flesh.

To throw a blot on a man's reputation by praising him.

To throw a blot on a man's reputation by praising him.

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

To seek a laurel wreath from a bride-cake. [To seek glory by
some trifling performance. A carpet knight.]

The fat's all in the fire.

The fat's all in the fire.

By all that's good and glorious.

By all that's good and glorious.

To build castles in Spain.

To build castles in Spain.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To grow a philosopher's beard.

To grow a philosopher's beard.

To be praised by a man who has won his laurels.

To be praised by a man who has won his laurels.