drawing card
The most important figure in a multi-person event; the top entertainer during a show; the best professor or researcher at a university, etc.
During the concert series Barbra Streisand was the biggest drawing card.
The biggest drawing card at many a university is the resident Nobel Laureate.
pull in one's horns
draw in one's horns
haul in one's horns
To reduce your boasts; calm down from a quarrel; back down on a promise.
He said he could beat any man there single-handed, but he pulled in his horns when Jack came forward.
To cut back from one's usual way of living; reduce spending or activities; save.
After the business failed, Father had to pull in his horns.
As one advances in years, it is prudent to pull in one's horns more and more as to physical activity.
quick on the trigger
trigger happy
quick on the draw
Ready to shoot without warning; fast with a gun.
He's a dangerous criminal quick on the trigger.
Fast at answering questions or solving problems.
In class discussions John is always quick on the trigger.
slow on the draw
slow on the uptake
Not very smart; having difficulty figuring things out.
Быть не очень сообразительным, туповатым; иметь трудности в понимании чего-либо; медлительный.
Poor Eric doesn't get very good grades in physics; when it comes to problem-solving, he is rather slow on the draw.
Mary is said to be slow on the draw, but she immediately takes advantage of something.
Говорят, Мэри медлительная, но она сразу же берет выгоду из чего-то.
My new student is slow on the uptake, and I have to explain everything to him several times.
Мой новый студент несообразительный, и мне приходиться объяснять ему по нескольку раз.
top-drawer
Of the best; or most important kind.
Mary's art work was top-drawer material.
Mr. Rogers is a top-drawer executive and gets a very high salary.