WITH OPEN ARMS
welcome a person warmly or with enthusiasm.
When I went to see my friend, he welcomed me with open arms.
TO LOOK THROUGH COLOURED SPECTACLES
take a prejudiced view of things.
Opposition parties look at Government policies through colored spectacles.
LAUGH IN ONE’S SLEEVE
to laugh secretly at somebody
She always seems to be laughing up her sleeve, and that is why she is un popular.
WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES
where a difficulty is felt.
The Government have recently increased taxation, and that is where the shoe pinches.
TO KNOW (FEEL) WHERE THE SHOE PINCHES
understand from one’s own experience the difficulties and troubles of others.
Before he became a minister, he was a teacher and so he fully understands the difficulties of teachers; he knows (feels) where the shoe pinches.
IN SACKCLOTH AND ASHES
in grief and repentance; regret for wrong doing
His crime is of so cruel and merciless nature that he must repent in sackcloth and ashes.
SEND ROUND THE HAT
request for contributions
After speaking about the floods in Assam, the speaker sent round the hat for contributions.
HAND IN (AND) GLOVE WITH
to be intinately connected with someone.
I don’t trust those two; they are always hand in (and) glove with one another.
TO TURN ONE’S COAT
to change sides; desert.
Unscrupulous politicians don’t hestitate to turn their coats for personal gains
HIT BELOW THE BELT
take an unfair advantage; act unfairly.
Be careful how you deal with him; he has been know to be in the habit of hitting below the belt.