run for one's money
A good fight; a hard struggle. Usually used with give or get.
Our team didn't win the game, but they gave the other team a run for their money.
Satisfaction; interest; excitement. Usually used with give or get.
People like to watch the champion fight because they get a good run for their money from him.
A good student gives a teacher more than a run for his money.
safety island
safety zone
A raised area in a highway or road to be used only by people walking.
John was half-way across the street when the light changed. He stayed on the safety island until it changed again.
save face
save one's face
To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame.
Спасти чью-либо репутацию; сохранить уважение.
The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed to him.
Полицейский был пойман, когда брал взятку. Он пытался спасти свою репутацию, заявив, что ему отдавали долг.
Bill would not play in the game because he knew he could not do well and he wanted to save face.
The colonel who lost the battle saved face by showing his orders from the general.
She tried to save face in this situation.
Она постаралась сохранить уважение к себе в сложившейся ситуации.
save one's bacon
save one's neck
save one's skin
To save from danger or trouble.
Спасти чью-любо шкуру.
The fighter planes saved our skins while the army was landing from the ships.
Betty saved Tim's neck by typing his report for him; without her help he could not have finished on time.
Бетти спасла шкуру Тима, напечатав его отчет за него. Без ее помощи он мог бы не успеть закончить вовремя.
save one's breath
To keep silent because talking will not help; not talk because it will do no good.
Помалкивать, держать язык за зубами, держать свое мнение при себе.
Save your breath; the boss will never give you the day off.
"Save your breath! I'm tired of your endless excuses. You're fired!" said the boss to his employee who was late for work again.
"Помалкивай! Я устал от твоих бесконечных оправданий! Ты уволен!" сказал начальник своему работнику, который снова опоздал на работу.
say one's piece
speak one's piece
To say openly what you think; say, especially in public, what you usually say or are expected to say.
John told the boss that he thought he was wrong and the boss got angry. He said, "You've said your little piece, so go on home."
Every politician got up and said his piece about how good the mayor was and then sat down.
scare out of one's wits
scare stiff
scare the daylights out of
frightened out of one's wits
To frighten very much.
The owl's hooting scared him out of his wits.
The child was scared stiff in the dentist's chair.
Pete's ghost story scared the daylights out of the smaller boys.
scratch one's back
To do something kind and helpful for someone or to flatter him in the hope that he will do something for you. Usually used in the expression You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
Mary asked Jean to introduce her to her brother. Jean said, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."