[lead one a merry dance] {v. phr.} To cause someone unusual discomfort or expense; tire someone by causing one to overdo. * /With her personal extravagances and constant social activities […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

make merry

[make merry] {v. phr.}, {literary} To have fun, laugh, and be happy. * /In Aesop's fable the grasshopper made merry while the ant worked and saved up food./ * /In […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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tongue

[tongue] See: [AT THE TIP OF ONE'S TONGUE], [CAT GET ONE'S TONGUE], [HOLD ONE'S TONGUE], [KEEP A CIVIL TONGUE IN ONE'S […]

Tom Masson

(1866-1934), writer There are seventy million books in American libraries, but the one you want is always out.

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blow up in one's face

[blow up in one's face] {v. phr.}, {informal} To fail completely and with unexpected force. * /The thief's plan to rob the […]

get up with the chickens

[get up with the chickens] or [rise with the chickens] {v. phr.} To rise very early in the morning. * /All the farmers in […]

hire out

[hire out] {v.}, {informal} 1. To accept a job; take employment. * /Frank hired out as a saxophonist with a dance band./ 2. […]

saber rattling

[saber rattling] or [sword rattling] {n.} A show of military strength usually to frighten; a threat of military force. * […]