"How did you know that Mr Roberts is going to resign?" "I got it straight from the _____'s mouth." (information that comes from someone who is directly involved – in this case, from Mr Roberts)

Tony! What a surprise! It's wonderful to see you again. I haven't seen you for _____'s years! (an extremely long time)

The hotel used to be the best in town, but since the new manager took over it's really gone to the _____s. (not as good at it was in the past)

Have you met our new manager? He really thinks he's the _____'s knees! (to think you are very clever and important)

I feel really sorry for poor old Steven: he's so _____pecked. (criticised and given orders all the time by a wife or female partner)

I'd love to be a _____ on the wall when Debbie tells Mr Roberts what she thinks of him! (to be able to see what people are doing without them noticing you)

I've got so many things to do today. I'm running around like a headless _____! (trying to do a lot of things quickly without being sensible or calm about it)

I always thought Laurence was rather shallow and superficial, but yesterday I saw him reading a book of Renaissance poetry. He's a bit of a dark _____, isn't he? (someone with a secret, especially a secret ability, skill or achievement)

While we're in town doing our shopping, let's go and see my mother. That way, we can kill two_____s with one stone. (to achieve two aims with one action)

How did I know that you were going out with Lucy? Aha! A little _____ told me! (an expression used for saying that you are not going to say who told you something)

Antonia is very timid: she wouldn't say boo to a _____. (an expression used to describe someone who is very quiet and shy)

He thinks he's better than us. I wish he would get off his high _____. (stop behaving as if he knows more or is better than anyone else)

I'm not going out with you looking like that. You look like something that the _____ dragged in! Brush your hair and put on some clean clothes! (to have a very dirty or untidy appearance)