All terms in this list:
quid pro quo: This for that; giving something to receive something else
fuddy-duddy: An old-fashioned, persnickety or ineffective person.
ipso facto: By that very fact itself.
tongue-in-cheek: not intended seriously; jocular or humorous
esprit de corps: A shared spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a group, for example of a military unit.
coup de grace: A final blow or shot given to kill a wounded person or animal.
bee's knees: Something excellent, outstanding.
cut of one's jib: A person's general appearance, manner, or style, or the implications thereof.
cut to the quick: To hurt a person deeply, especially emotionally.
on the mend: Healing or recovering, as from an injury or illness.
on the lam: Running away, usually from the police; on the run.
on the fence: undecided; wavering in one's opinion
on the wagon: Abstaining from drinking any alcoholic drink, usually in the sense of having given it up (as opposed to never having partaken).
de facto: Virtual, being such in effect or essence (rather than literally in fact) though not formally or wholly taken for granted, as opposed to de jure.
phone it in: Perform an act in a perfunctory, uncommitted fashion, as if it didn't matter.
au courant: Up to date, informed on the latest developments etc.
johnny on the spot: Someone ready and available at the time needed.
Ad nauseam: to a nauseating or sickening degree.
stem the tide: To slow or stop the increase.
coup d'état: The sudden overthrow of a government, differing from a revolution by being carried out by a small group of people who replace only the leading figures.
Bon mot: A clever saying, phrase or witticism; often, a witty riposte in dialogue.
in the know: Informed, aware.
cast aspersions: to make damaging or spiteful remarks
cri de coeur: An impassioned outcry, appeal, protest or entreaty.
bread and circuses: A metaphor for a superficial means of appeasement.
talk turkey: To talk or negotiate plainly, frankly, or seriously.
carte blanche: Unrestricted power to act at one's own discretion; unconditional authority
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