stars in one's eyes
An appearance or feeling of very great happiness or expectation of happiness.
Mary gets stars in her eyes when she thinks of her boyfriend.
A belief in the possibility of quick and lasting reforms in people and life and an eagerness to make such changes.
Some inexperienced people get stars in their eyes when they think of improving the world.
stew in one's own juice
To suffer from something that you have caused to happen yourself.
John lied to Tom, but Tom found out. Now Tom is making John stew in his own juice.
I warned you not to steal those apples. You got caught, and you can stew in your own juice.
stick in one's craw
stick in one's crop
To make you angry; bother you; annoy you.
His parents' praise of his brother stuck in Jerry's craw.
Sue's failure to get a better grade than Ann stuck in her crop.
stick in one's throat
To be something you do not want to say; be hard to say.
Jean wanted to ask the teacher's pardon, but the words stuck in her throat.
stick one's neck out
stick one's chin out
To do something dangerous or risky.
When I was in trouble, Paul was the only one who would stick his neck out to help me.
John is always sticking his chin out by saying something he shouldn't.
stop cold
stop dead
stop in one's tracks
To stop very quickly or with great force.
The hunter pulled the trigger and stopped the deer cold.
When I saw Mary on the street, I was so surprised I stopped dead.
The deer heard a noise and he stopped in his tracks.
take one's life in one's hands
To face great danger or take great risk.
Driving that car with those worn tires would be taking your life in your hands.
He took his life in his hands when he tried to capture the wild horse.
take part
take part in
to be in on
To have a part or share; join; to be involved in, to participate in.
Jim saw the new boy watching the game and asked him to take part.
The Swiss did not take part in the two World Wars.
Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
I didn't want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.