[ins and outs] {n. phr.} The special ways of going somewhere or doing something; the different parts. * /The janitor knows all the ins and outs of the big school […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

be on the outs with

[be on the outs with] {v. phr.} To not be on speaking terms with someone; be in disagreement with someone. * /Jane and Tom have been on the outs with […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

inside out

[inside out] {adv.} 1. So that the inside is turned outside. * /Mother turns the stockings inside out when she washes them./ 2. or [inside and out] also [in and […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

the ropes

[the ropes] {n. plural}, {informal} Thorough or special knowledge of a job; how to do something; the ways of people or the world. * /On a newspaper a cub reporter […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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Chinese proverb

Beat your child once a day. If you don't know why, the child does.

to foul one's own nest

[to foul one's own nest] {v. phr.} To compromise unintentionally one's own interests by sharing private information […]

slap-head

[slap-head] {n.} {adj.} A bald man.

Generica

[Generica] Fast food joints, strip malls, sub-divisions as in "we were so lost in generica that I couldn't remember what city […]

[GJ] "Good job", often sarcastic

from rags to riches

[from rags to riches] {adv. phr.} Suddenly making a fortune; becoming rich overnight. * /The Smiths went from rags to riches […]

off the wall

[off the wall] {adj. phr.} Strange; out of the ordinary; stupid. * /He has been making off-the-wall remarks all day; […]

Derek Bok, president of Harvard University

If you think education is expensive--try ignorance.