In a tight corner
In a difficult situation

In cold blood
A murder done without intention

Hard and fast
Strict

Took to heels
Run away in fear

Make a clean breast
Confess without reserve

Heads will roll
Transfers will take place (people will be dismissed or forced to resign.)

Make no bones about
Do not have any hesitation

To starve off
Postpone

Rest on laurels
To be complacent (showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.)

Pay through nose
Pay an extremely high price

Draw on fancy
Use imagination

Give the game away
Give out the secret

Cheek by jowl
Very near

Run riot
Act without restraint

Talking through the hat
Talking nonsense

Put up with
Tolerate

Get the sack
Dismissed from

By fits and starts
Irregularly

By leaps and bounds
Very quickly

In the good books
In favour with boss