| Words | Meaning in English |
|---|---|
| Demagogue | A political leader who tries to get support by making false claims and promises based on emotions rather than reasons |
| Gaol | Jail |
| Harangue | An angry speech |
| Ever and anon | Now and then |
| Chequered | Full of ups and downs |
| Revered | Respectable |
| Puissant | Powerful |
| Fight shy of | To attempt to avoid |
| Damp squib | Complete failure |
| Eke out | Supplement income |
| Sharp practices | Dishonest means |
| Cock a snook | To show impudent contempt |
| In cahoots | In conspiracy with someone |
| Above board | Honest |
| Go the whole hog | To do something thoroughly |
| Cook the books | To record false information in order to steal money or hide it |
| Barefaced liars | Shameless liars |
| Veteran | Experienced |
| Bend the truth | Not to speak the entire truth |
| Scoundrels | A cruel or dishonest person |
| Go scot free | To escape from punishment |
| Buy a lemon | To buy something that is worthless |
| Exorbitant | Very high |
| Hand in glove | In extremely close relationship |
| Bad eggs | Someone who behaves in a bad or dishonest way |
| Daylight robbery | Blatantly overcharging or removing someone’s money by foul play |
| Pull wool over the eyes | To deceive someone |
| Pack of lies | Full of lies |
| Snake in the grass | A hidden enemy |
| Down and out | Poor and ruined |
| Feet of clay | Hidden faults |
| Lose ground | Fail to keep position |
| Lose their head | To be carried away |
| D-day | A day on which something important is planned or expected to happen |
| Ephemeral | Momentary |
| Loaves and fishes | Material benefits |
| Dipsomaniac | One who is addicted to alcoholic drinks |
| Give in | Yield |
| Impoverished | Extremely poor |
| Keep one’s pot boiling | Earn hardly enough for living |
| In a flutter | Excited |
| Elixir | A magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life |
| Pittance | Small amount of money |
| Man of straw | A weak man |
| Palmy days | Prosperous days |
| On last legs | About to collapse |
| Put a spoke in the wheel | To obstruct |
| Throw cold water | To discourage |
| Set someone by ears | To incite people |
| Steal the march | To get ahead secretly |
| Red herring | Something to distract attention |
