Through thick and thin, both over Hill and Plain.

Through thick and thin, both over Hill and Plain.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To have a smattering knowledge of anything.

To drink away sorrow.

To drink away sorrow.

A thorn in the flesh.

A thorn in the flesh.

As shines the moon amid the lesser fires.

As shines the moon amid the lesser fires.

Needle in a bottle of hay.

Needle in a bottle of hay.

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

A precious pair of brothers [i.e., rascals].

A flea in his ear.

A flea in his ear.

With tooth and nail.

With tooth and nail.