can't ward off blows

with single … hearted devotion

cut the weeds and dig up the roots

to take sides with, to be partial to, to be biased, to favor one side

master

the Zhongshan wolf in the fable (a person who repays good with evil)

revolving scenic lantern

paper tiger

monster-revealing mirror

pretend to be pitiable

feign ignorance

honoured guest

plot of land for personal needs

wait and see(will see who is right)

ghost—writer(one person who write for somebody else)

loincloth(fig leaf)

bear the bell(be the acknowledged leader; occupy a leading position)

for appearance's sake(keep up appearances)

avail oneself of loopholes(craw through any crack)

marching orders