Solution:
to paddle his own canoe: independent.

Solution:
Hard-pressed: burdened with urgent business.

Solution:
To show the white feather: a symbol of cowardice.

Solution:
keep a level head: to remain calm.

Solution:
flesh and blood: someone from your family.

Solution:
To cut the cackle: To stop talking in order to do something more important.

Solution:
To blaze trail: Find a new path or method.