Chisel (someone) out of (something)
To cheat someone to get money. My friend tried to chisel his brother out of some money.
Circle the wagons
To set up a defense against an enemy. The managers began to circle the wagons as the accounting scandal became worse.
Come clean
To tell the truth, to confess something. The president of the company was forced to come clean and tell the truth about the problems.
Choke (something) off or choke off (something)
To force something to an end or to a stop. The government was able to choke off the flow of money to the criminal gang.
Clam up
To close one's mouth, to shut up, to stop talking. The students clammed up when they saw the teacher.
Cock-and-bull story
A story that is not true. The boys gave us a cock-and-bull story about the tire marks in front of our house.
Cold comfort
No comfort at all. The government offered money to the victims of the fire but it was cold comfort to those who had lost their families.
A come-down
A lowering in status or income or influence or energy. My friend's new job is a come-down from her last one and she is not very happy.
Cog in the machine
A small and unimportant part of a large organization. The employees felt like they were only cogs in the machine so the atmosphere at the... Read more →
Cold fish
A cold and unfeeling person. The man was a cold fish and cared little about his family.