tin ear
A lack of sensitivity to noise.
The construction noise doesn't bother Fred; he's got a tin ear.
A lack of musical ability; state of being tone deaf.
People with a tin ear make poor choir members.
to all intents and purposes
In most ways; in fact.
The president is called the head of state, but the prime minister, to all intents and purposes, is the chief executive.
to crush in the egg
Подавить в зародыше, пресечь в корне.
That idea is absurd. We should crush it in the egg.
Эта идея абсурдная. Мы должны подавить её в зародыше.
to heel
bring to heel
come to heel
Close behind.
The dog ran after a rabbit, but Jack brought him to heel.
Under control; to obedience.
When Peter was sixteen, he thought he could do as he pleased, but his father cut off his allowance, and Peter soon came to heel.
to the kings taste
to the queen's taste
Perfectly; just as anyone could want it; very satisfactorily.
The rooms in her new home were painted and decorated to the queen's taste.
The soldiers dressed and marched to the king's taste.
toe the line
toe the mark
To be very careful to do just what you are supposed to do; obey the rules and do your duties.
Быть очень осторожным в выполнении возложенных задач; следовать правилам и обязанностям.
The new teacher will make Joe toe the line.
Bill's father is strict with him and he has to toe the mark.
If you want to stay in this school, you'll have to learn to toe the line.
Если ты хочешь остаться в этой школе, ты должен будешь строго придерживаться правил.
tongue-in-cheek
In an ironic or insincere manner.
В ироничном или неискренним тоне; насмешливо.
When the faculty complained about the poor salary increments, the university's president said that he was not a psychiatrist, thus making an inappropriate tongue-in-cheek remark.
His tongue-in-cheek compliment concerning my evening dress made me embarrassed.
Его насмешливый комлимент по поводу моего вечернего платья заставил меня смутиться.
tongue-lashing
tongue lashing
A sharp scolding or criticism.
Jim's mother gave him a tongue-lashing for telling family secrets.