vain hopes

above reproach

subtle and profound language

be well versed in both polite letters and martial arts

be of no importance

a pestilential atmospere

cut no figure

rid the people of a scourge

mend the fold after a sheep is lost

heartless(show ingratitude for favours)

break the law

be a yes-man

have no limit

Everything looks fresh and gay.

dejected(at one's worst; be in low spirits)

go wrong

disobey other's good will to do something wrong

in a terrible mess(horrible mess; great disorder; rubbish; garbage)

insignificant

come back empty-handed(have returned without accomplishing anything)