fail to bring out real talent(stifle real talents)

bear in mind(sink into the mind)

undreamt(beyond one's dreams)

The face looks white as if painted.

be at leisure(a bright moon and a cool breeze)

appear to be powerful

day and night

It is sheer hyprocricy for the cat to cry over the death of mouse(shed crocodile tears)

sell official posts for a consideration

do a lot of talking(blah-blah)

painter(a dab at painting)

the calamity of exterminating a family

be utterly confused

at the point of death(when one's clock strikes)

Have no idea what to do

Like a river

be covered all over with wounds and scars

be kept in the dark(be all at sea)

be blue about the gills(look ashen)

expose oneself to rains and winds