Solution:
to bell the cat: to attempt or agree to attempt an impossibly difficult task that if achieved, will benefit the entire community.

Solution:
as was his wont: accustomed; usual.

Solution:
held out: to continue to defend yourself against an enemy or attack without being defeated.

Solution:
took him to task: to criticize someone.

Solution:
To pick holes: to try and make an idea or piece of work seem bad by finding all the things that are wrong or missing.

Solution:
a big draw: attraction.

Solution:
took to his heels: to run away.