The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

To say that which is instructive and also pleasing.

To say that which is instructive and also pleasing.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Diamonds cut diamonds.

Leap out of the frying pan into the fire.

Leap out of the frying pan into the fire.

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

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

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.

As cold as cucumbers.

As cold as cucumbers.

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

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

With tooth and nail.

With tooth and nail.