The idiom "to grease the palm" refers to giving someone money or a gift, typically as a bribe, to ensure favorable treatment or to persuade them to act in a certain way. It suggests an unethical exchange, where the intention is to gain an advantage through financial incentives.

The idiom "end in smoke" means that a plan or endeavor ultimately fails or comes to nothing, often after much effort. It evokes the image of something that dissipates like smoke, highlighting the idea that despite the hopes or expectations, the outcome was unsatisfactory or wasted.

The idiom "tickled pink" means to be extremely happy or delighted about something. It conveys a sense of joy and satisfaction, often in response to a pleasant surprise or good news. The phrase evokes a lighthearted and cheerful feeling.

The idiom "above board" refers to actions that are transparent, honest, and without deceit. It implies that everything is conducted openly, with no hidden agendas or dishonest practices. The phrase is often used in contexts involving business or ethical considerations to indicate integrity in conduct.

The idiom "to pick holes" means to criticize or find faults in an argument, plan, or piece of work. It suggests a detailed examination where someone identifies weaknesses or problems, often to undermine the validity of the original work or idea.

The idiom means to hold a subordinate or less important position to someone else. It comes from orchestral music, where the second violin ("fiddle") has a supporting part, playing a background role to the more prominent first violin. It describes being in a secondary, non-leading role.

The phrase signifies a family or group member who is considered different, problematic, or a disgrace compared to the rest. This connotation comes from the historical rarity of black-wool sheep, whose fleeces couldn't be dyed and were thus less valuable to the farmer, making the animal stand out negatively.

The idiom "to smell a rat" means to become suspicious of someone's actions or to suspect that something dishonest or deceitful is happening. It implies an instinctive awareness of potential wrongdoing or trickery, similar to the way a rat's presence might indicate trouble.

The idiom "put up with" means to tolerate or endure something that is annoying, unpleasant, or difficult. It suggests that someone is accepting a situation or behavior without actively trying to change it, often due to a lack of alternatives or out of necessity.

The idiom "by and large" means overall or generally, indicating that something is true in most cases but may have exceptions. It’s often used to summarize a situation or opinion, suggesting a broad view rather than focusing on specific details.