KNOW THE MEANING

room to swing a cat (usually in negative statements) a very small amount of space: The holiday was great, apart from the fact that the hotel room was so small there was barely room to swing a cat.

over the odds more than necessary: I’m really annoyed because I’ve just found out that I paid over the odds for my car.

put new heart into (someone/something) to give renewed hope and encouragement to (someone or something): Passing her exams has put new heart into Rebecca and she has decided to stay on at University.

give (something) the once-over (informal) to examine something very quickly: Robert asked his uncle to give the car the once-over before he bought it.

get weaving (informal) to start working or working quickly: You had better get weaving if you want to get that essay finished for tomorrow.

be taken with (someone/something) to think that someone or something is very pleasing or attractive: Jane seems to be very taken with her boyfriend.

lick (someone/something) into shape to get (someone or something) into an orderly or efficient state: I expect that the new boss will want to lick the staff into shape right away.

drop into (someone’s) lap to be obtained without effort: You can’t expect a good job to just drop into your lap - you’ll have to get out and look for one.

sewn up entirely settled or arranged: Dave was really surprised that he did not get the job because he had thought that it was all sewn up.

have one’s pound of flesh to get everything that one is entitled to, even if it causes difficulties or unhappiness for others: My job pays well buy my boss expects to get his pound of flesh from me.