1.

a trouble shared is a trouble halved

By discussing one's problem, or seeking someone's help with that problem, the situation will n
ot be as difficult,distressing, or daunting
"I've just had a lot on my plate recently, but I don't want to be a downer." B: "Hey, atrouble sh
ared is a trouble halved. Tell me what's up, and maybe I'll be able to help."

2. the apple of (one's) eye

A cherished or favored person. This phrase is thought to be Biblical in origin. My nephew is ju
st the apple of myeye. He has five kids, but his only daughter is clearly the apple of his eye.

3. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Prov. You will like someone or something better if that person or thing is far away. Ever since
Carla's boyfriendmoved away, she can't stop thinking about him. Absence makes the heart gr
ow fonder.

4. keep your friends close and your enemies closer

Be very aware of your enemies' behavior in order to detect and avoid any malicious actions. A
: "Why were youtalking to Katie? I thought you hated her." B: "I'm trying to see if she has any
dirt on me for the student councildebate. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, rig
ht?"

5. great oaks from little acorns grow

People say great oaks from little acorns grow when they want to say that large and succes
sful things canbegin in a small way. It is going to take at least five seasons before the new clu
b can take its rightful place in thethird division. Still, great oaks from little acorns grow

6. all roads lead to Rome

The same outcome can be reached by many methods or ideas. This phrase refers to the road
system of theRoman Empire, in which Rome was positioned in the center, with every road att
ached to it. All roads lead toRome, so you can approach the puzzle any way you like, as long
as you solve it.

7. work like a charm

To work very well or be exceptionally effective. This new software works like a charm. I barely
had to doanything and the image is perfect. I read about some negotiating techniques before
the big budget meeting, andI have to say that they actually worked like a charm!

8. try every trick in the book

To make use of every possible angle or approach to do or achieve something, especially way
s that are clever,cunning, or ethically questionable. I tried every trick in the book to get them t
o invest, but nothing couldpersuade them. You can try every trick in the book to get prospectiv
e employers to notice you, but if your workethic isn't fundamentally sound, no one is going to
want you working for them.

9. take the wind out of (one's) sails

To diminish one's enthusiasm, excitement, or positive outlook (about something). She thought
she'd won, butwhen I told her the letter was a scam, it really took the wind out of her sails. It t
ook the wind out of his sails tolearn that nearly half of his bonus would go to taxes.