rap the gavel(clinch a deal; close a bargain)

in sackcloth and ashes(put on mourning apparel)

walk on air

congratulate or celebrate his success

neat appearance(have regular features)

sick as well as poor

be dead to the wide(be flat out)

too much difference between the rich and the poor

cleave through the waves

deliver all living creatures from torment

hesitate to go forward(tarry to go forward)

occur for the first time

get the cheese(meet with rejection)

elated(complacent)

throw a damp over(throw a wet blanket onthrow cold water on)

play an insignificant role(play third fiddle)

lick somebody's boots

person who shoots off his mouth

rascal(a family that has gone down in the world)

making a living as a fortuneteller(on the tramp)