Snap elections

Example

Iraqi prime minister has threatened to call for snap (early) elections which could tighten his grip on power

To soften the blow

Example

The release has undoubtedly helped to soften the blow

Arm wrestling - tussle

Example

I'll share a little of what I know for people who are just starting out arm wrestling

Political turnabout - about face

Example

A political about-face in the green sector

To get a bum rap

Example

Analisys show that mature drivers in New Jersey do not present an increased crash risk to other drivers, they are getting a bum rap

To have a change of mind (heart)

Example

I don't agree with you and I'm not going to have a change of mind.

Eat the humble pie

Example

We must eat the humble pie there is no other way to regain subsidies

In a nutshell

Example
In these pages there are the directives of the company in a nutshell

Scavenger hunt

Example

The ultimate scavenger hunt ideas guide for kids and families

Trial by fire

Example

The breakup was a rough trial by fire for him

Twiddle one's thumbs

Example

Recently I have seen you do nothing but twiddle your thumbs

To pay through the nose

Example
I paid through the nose this suit for Jack's wedding

To hold sway in

Example

The Omenka Gallery continues to promote contemporary art that hold sway in Nigeria

Back to the drawing board

Example

The endeavour to make a start-up succeed it means sometimes to go back to the drawing board

To keep an eye on

Example

My grandmother sat on an armchair, keeping an eye on her nieces as they played