flounder and crawl

be drunk as a lord( be drunk to the world)

do something bit by bit(off and on; adopt a piecemeal approach; make two bites of a cherry)

pay special regard to

completely without conscience

the common people

just to console oneself

as one's capacity allows

be a fugitive from justice

to flow right off the tongue (of lyrics or poetry)​, to recite with ease, catchy (of a song)​

live within one's means

a platitude

be far from the mark

reward according to somebody's deserts(award people according to their contributions)

one's heart sank

both are willing to

sarcastic comments

cultivate people's good will(win over the people's support)

intimacy of childhood

hold one's hand(to refrain from doing something esp. when one is on the point of doing; allow for unforeseen circumstances)