plume oneself
To be proud of yourself; boast.
He plumed himself on having the belle of the ball as his date.
He plumed himself on his successful planning in the election.
She plumed herself on the grace with which she sat on a horse.
pour money down the drain
To spend one's money unwisely; to waste one's funds.
Тратить чьи-либо деньги неразумно; растратить чьи-либо финансы; бросать деньги на ветер.
"Stop supporting Harry's drug habit," Ralph said. "You're just pouring money down the drain.".
She is so thoughtless! She needs to save up to pay the bills but she just pours her money down the drain.
Она такая легкомысленная! Ей нужно экономить, чтобы оплатить счета, а она просто бросает деньги на ветер.
power behind the throne
The person with the real power backing up the more visible partner (usually said about the wives of public figures).
It is rumored that the First Lady it the power behind the throne in the White House.
press one's luck
push one's luck
To depend too much on luck; expect to continue to be lucky.
Слишком надеяться на удачу. Дразнить фортуну.
When John won his first two bets at the race track, he pressed his luck and increased his bets.
If you're lucky at first, don't press your luck.
You've got your father's permission to go to the concert. Don't push your luck by trying to borrow his car!
Ты уже получил разрешение отца пойти на концерт. Не искушай судьбу, пытаясь выпросить машину.
prey on one's mind
To afflict; worry.
He couldn't sleep because his many debts were preying on his mind.
price on one's head
have a price on one's head
Reward offered to anyone who catches a thief or a murderer.
The hotel manager learned that the quiet man taken from his room by the police was a murderer with a price on his head.
prick up one's ears
To come to interested attention; begin to listen closely; try to hear.
The woman pricked up her ears when she heard them talking about her.
pride oneself on
To be proud ot, take satisfaction in; be much pleased by.
She prided herself on her beauty.
He prided himself on his strength and toughness.