To grow a philosopher's beard.

To grow a philosopher's beard.

A flea in his ear.

A flea in his ear.

A thorn in the flesh.

A thorn in the flesh.

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.

No better than you should be.

No better than you should be.

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

As leopard feels at home with leopard.

As leopard feels at home with leopard.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Diamonds cut diamonds.