The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

Turn over a new leaf.

Turn over a new leaf.

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 give importance to trifling matters.

To give importance to trifling matters.

A nail in the wound.

A nail in the wound.

Neither fish, flesh nor good red herring.

Neither fish, flesh nor good red herring.

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].

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Diamonds cut diamonds.