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To keep one's head : to remain calm and sensible when in an awkward situation that might cause a person to panic or go out of control.

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To give a false colouring: To describe in a false way.

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pay lip service: To give a false or insincere declaration that one supposedly values, supports, respects, or believes in something.

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To throw up the sponge: to give up a contest.

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To take the wind out of another's sails: to cause someone to lose confidence or energy.

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struck several bad patches: to have bad time.

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setting up: the establishment or creation of something.