against all odds	– despite difficulties
get the sack	be dismissed from one’s job
in the offing	likely to happen
status symbol	possession thought to show sb’s high social rank, wealth
once and for all	for the last time
white elephant	– useless/unwanted possession
short and sweet	brief but pleasant (usu ironic)
out in the open	(of secrets) revealed, known
golden opportunity	the best chance to gain sth
out and out	complete, total
in public	in the presence of other people
get the wrong end of the stick	misunderstand completely what has been said
throw a party	have/hold a party
take things to pieces	dismantle things
grease sb’s palm	bribe sb