throw for a loss
To tackle a member of the opposing football team behind the place where his team had the ball at the beginning of the play; push the other team back so that they lose yardage in football.
The Blues' quarterback ran back and tried to pass, but before he could, the Reds' end threw him for a loss.
To surprise or shock (someone); upset; make worry greatly; cause trouble.
It threw Jim for a loss when he failed the test.
Mr. Simpson was thrown for a loss when he lost his job.
tit for tat
Equal treatment in return; a fair exchange.
Billy hit me, so I gave him tit for tat.
I told him if he did me any harm I would return tit for tat.
They had a warm debate and the two boys gave each other tit for tat.
to the fore
Into leadership; out into notice or view; forward.
The hidden skill of the lawyer came to the fore during the trial.
In the progress of the war some new leaders came to the fore.
too big for one's breeches
too big for one's boots
Too sure of your own importance; feeling more important than you really are.
That boy had grown too big for his breeches. I'll have to put him back in his place.
When the teacher made Bob a monitor, he got too big for his boots and she had to warn him.
too close for comfort
Perilously near (said of bad things).
When the sniper's bullet hit the road the journalist exclaimed, "Gosh, that was too close for comfort!"
turkeys voting for Christmas
Вести себя глупо; своими действиями вызывать неблагоприятные последствия.
No chance this anti-corruption bill passes through Parliament, it’s like turkeys voting for Christmas.
Этот законопроект по борьбе с коррупцией не пройдет через парламент, это как индейки, голосующие за рождество.
up for grabs
be up for grabs
Available for anyone to try to get; ready to be competed for; there for the taking.
When the captain of the football team moved out of town, his place was up for grabs.
When one of the full-time contract instructors stepped down, her nice office overlooking the river was up for grabs.
Did you know that Senator Stone is retiring and that her Senate seat is up for grabs?
wait up for
To not go to bed until a person one is worried about comes home (said by parents and marriage partners).
My mother always waited up for me when I went out as a young student.
She always waits up for her husband when he's out late.
Don’t wait up for me. I may be back after midnight.
We waited up for our son until two o’clock in the morning before we called the police.