a matter of common occurrence

work along both lines(paint a picture with two brushes at the same time; do two things at a time)

carfty planning

do whatever one wants

base on facts

miss death by a hair's breath

gain at other's expense

look one way and row another

Cooked sheep's scapula

to know neither the beginning, the middle, nor the end of a matter

be grateful

give a bribe

deserve to be damned

not to know each other at all

be dead set on

be overwhelmed by a special favour

specious

take quickly and secretly without permission.

be timid(shrink from responsibility)

loud voice and stern expression