a storm is brewing
Назревающий скандал; накаляющаяся атмосфера.
As soon as we saw Pete's face, we knew there was a storm brewing.
Как только мы увидели лицо Питера, то поняли, что надвигается проблема.
about one's ears
around one's ears
bring down about one's ears
bring down around one's ears
pull down about one's ears
pull down around one's ears
To or into complete collapse, defeat, or ruin; to the destruction of a person's plans, hopes, or happiness.
They planned to have factories all over the world but the war brought their plans down about their ears.
John hoped to go to college and become a great scientist some day, but when his father died he had to get a job, and John's dreams came crashing around his ears.
according as
Depending on which; whichever.
You may take an oral or written exam according as you prefer.
Depending on whether; if.
We will play golf or stay home according as the weather is good or bad.
according to one's own lights
In accordance with one's conscience or inclinations.
Citizens should vote according to their own lights.
according to
So as to match or agree with; so as to be alike in; in the order of.
Many words are pronounced according to the spelling but some are not.
The boys were placed in three groups according to height.
The students on the football team were ranked according to height, from shortest to tallest.
On the word or authority of.
According to the Bible, Adam was the first man.
According to my dictionary, you are using that word in your essay incorrectly.
ace in the hole
An ace given to a player face down so that other players in a card game cannot see it.
When the cowboy bet all his money in the poker game he did not know that the gambler had an ace in the hole and would win it from him.
Someone or something important that is kept as a surprise until the right time so as to bring victory or success.
Туз в рукаве; что-то важное, что хранится в секрете и предъявляется в нужный момент.
The football team has a new play that they are keeping as an ace in the hole for the big game.
The lawyer's ace in the hole was a secret witness who saw the accident.
The football team had an ace in the hole. It was their star goalkeeper who they were planning to use.
У футбольной команды был туз в рукаве. Это был их знаменитый вратарь, которого они планировали использовать.
act of God
the fickle finger of fate
An occurrence (usually some sort of catastrophe) for which the people affected are not responsible; said of earthquakes, floods, etc.
Происшествие, за которое люди не несут ответственности, например землетрясение или наводнение.
Hurricane Andrew destroyed many houses in Florida, but some types of insurance did not compensate the victims, claiming that the hurricane was an act of God.
Despite all Acts of God, we continue to destroy our planet.
Несмотря на все стихийные бедствия, мы продолжаем разрушать нашу планету.
add insult to injury
To hurt someone's feelings after doing him harm.
He added insult to injury when he called the man a rat after he had already beaten him up.
To make bad trouble worse.
We started on a picnic, and first it rained, then to add insult to injury, the car broke down.