to spare no effort;to do one's utmost

The early bird catches the worm

form cliques for private gain

food rudely offered;grudging handout;help grudgingly

be down-to-earth

sit on the fence

Pride goes before a fall

The child is father of the man

have used up one's literary talent/energy

fleet footed (lit. running as fast as flying)

Grass is always greener on the other side of the fence

to see what is right and act courageously;to stand up bravely for the truth;acting heroically in a just cause

experienced and knowledgeable

streamline administration and institute decentralization

downsize (and cut payroll) to improve efficiency (for efficiency)

understood by everyone;well known;a household name

Don't wash your dirty linen in public

(continue the past and open up the future ) break new ground for the future

to follow the past and herald the future;part of a historical transition;forming a bridge between earlier and later stages

let bygones be bygones