sprout wings
To enter the stage after a period of development when wings appear (said of larvae that turn into butterflies).
The dragonflies suddenly sprouted wings and are flying all about in the park.
To become good and virtuous (as if airborne).
Joe has helped many colleagues in need; he seems to have sprouted wings.
square peg in a round hole
A person who does not fit into a job or position; someone who does not belong where he is. Sometimes used in a short form square peg.
Arthur is a square peg in a round hole when he is playing ball.
George likes to work with his hands. When it comes to books, he's a square peg in a round hole.
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."
stack the cards
cards stacked against one
To arrange cards secretly and dishonestly for the purpose of cheating.
The gambler had stacked the cards against Bill.
To arrange things unfairly for or against a person; have things so that a person has an unfair advantage or disadvantage; make sure in an unfair way that things will happen. Usually used in the passive with in one's favor or against one.
A tall basketball player has the cards stacked in his favor.
The cards are stacked against a poor boy who wants to go to college.
stamping ground
A place where a person spends much of his time.
Pete's soda fountain is an afterschool stamping ground.
When John returned to his hometown many years later, he visited all of his old stamping grounds.
stand in awe of
To look upon with wonder; feel very respectful to.
Janet always stands in awe of the superintendent.
The soldier stood in awe to his officers.
stand in for
To substitute for someone.
The famous brain surgeon was called out of town so his assistant had to stand in for him during the operation.