far away

Ruin is spelled on the people.

Reward and punishment

remain the same from beginning to end(first, last, and all the time)

in a few words(a word or two)

pledge to be true to death

be out of luck(No butter will stick to his bread.)

at daggers(at enmity)

shoot up in the sky(lift up its head)

fail on the verge of success(abortive attempt)

like flowers and jade

unexpectedly-contrived stratagem

concurrent punishment for sevaral crimes

come back disappointed

as quick as a wink(in a trice)

One's mind is clear and vigorous.

after all is said and done(when all is said and done)

know and respect the talent

all the kinsmen

to vow to die rather than obey (idiom)