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 swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

To swallow gudgeons ere they're catch'd.
And count their chickens ere they're hatch'd.

Cut and come again.

Cut and come again.

Neither fish, flesh nor good red herring.

Neither fish, flesh nor good red herring.

With tooth and nail.

With tooth and nail.

As clear as a whistle.

As clear as a whistle.

The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

Put himself upon his good behavior.

Put himself upon his good behavior.

To build castles in Spain.

To build castles in Spain.