skeleton in the closet
A shameful secret; someone or something kept hidden, especially by a family.
The skeleton in our family closet was Uncle Willie. No one mentioned him because he drank too much.
slap in the face
An insult; a disappointment.
We felt that it was a slap in the face when our gift was returned unopened.
Doris thought it was a slap in the face when her boyfriend invited another girl to the dance.
To insult; embarrass; make feel bad.
John slapped our club in the face by saying that everyone in it was stupid.
I don't want to slap her in the face by not coming to her party.
snake in the grass
A person who cannot be trusted; an unfaithful traitor; rascal.
Человек, которому нельзя доверять; предатель; моженник.
Did Harry tell you that? He's a snake in the grass!
Some snake in the grass told the teacher our plans.
I thought I could trust my new colleague but he turned out to be a snake in the grass.
Я думал, что могу доверять своему новому коллеге, а он оказался предателем.
stab in the back
An act or a lie that hurts a friend or trusting person; a promise not kept, especially to a friend.
John stabbed his own friend in the back by stealing from his store.
My friend stabbed me in the back by telling the teacher I was playing hooky when I was home sick.
To say or do something unfair that harms (a friend or someone who trusts you).
Owen stabbed his friend Max in the back by telling lies about him.
stab in the dark
A random attempt or guess at something without previous experience or knowledge of the subject.
"You're asking me who could have hidden grandpa's will," Fred said. "I really have no idea, but let me make a stab in the dark - I think my sister Hermione has it."
stare in the face
To be about to meet or to happen to (you.)
Grandmother became very sick and death was staring her in the face.
Defeat stared them in the face, but the soldiers fought on bravely.
To be easy to see; be plain.
Are you looking for your pencil? It's on your desk, staring you in the face.
Their friends all knew that Mary loved John, but John did not see it even though it was staring him in the face.
straw in the wind
A small sign of what may happen.
The doctor's worried face was a straw in the wind.
The quickly-called meeting of the President and his cabinet was a straw in the wind.
take in tow
To take charge of; lead; conduct.
Брать на себя ответственность; руководить; вести.
Brian and Kate took a group of children in tow when they went to see the circus.
Брайан и Кейт взяли с собой группу детей, когда отправились смотреть цирк.
The experienced sailor took the novice in tow during their first sailing trip, ensuring they understood how to navigate the waters safely.
Опытный моряк принял руководство над новичком во время его первого плавания, чтобы помочь ему понять, как безопасно ориентироваться в водах.
Recognizing that her friend was feeling lost after the breakup, Sarah took her in tow and recommended they spend the weekend together.
Понимая, что ее подруга чувствует себя потерянной после разрыва, Сара взяла ее с собой и предложила провести выходные вместе.