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

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

To be praised by a man who has won his laurels.

To be praised by a man who has won his laurels.

The fat's all in the fire.

The fat's all in the fire.

The coast was clear.

The coast was clear.

Something given that way.

Something given that way.

To give importance to trifling matters.

To give importance to trifling matters.

To throw a blot on a man's reputation by praising him.

To throw a blot on a man's reputation by praising him.

With tooth and nail.

With tooth and nail.

As good as a play.

As good as a play.