backbone(definite view)

people on one’s own side(one of us)

left and right hands, (fig.)​ capable assistant, right-hand man

get in by the back door(secure advantages through influence; secure advantages through pull or influence)

guest of honor(honored guest)

do something as a mere formality(go though the motions; be conducted in perfunctory way; be reduced to mere formality)

resolute and decisive

talk about stratagems on paper

go to one's head(to be made vain or conceited by success; hold one's high; hold one's head high; be on one's high horse )

That's just what I hope for.

no leisure to look after oneself

self … justification

involve oneself

be driven from pillar to post(have no way out; be in an impasse; be up against the wall)

hit with both hands

inspire more than one can achieve

fight for a man's favours

feel ashamed of one's poverty stricken state

be in a bind

be deeply in debt