be too far from the mark/subject

at great length

fast-moving(come and go in haste; fugitive)

predict with miraculous accuracy

penny pincher(miser; niggard; shylock; skinflint)

landmark(marker; milepost; milestone )

a man of long experience

allow for unforeseen circumstances(leave some leeway; leave some margin)

be betrayed a slip(divulge a secret; give oneself away)

untique(museum piece; old fashioned article; old fogey)

remove or destroy lock,stock and barrel

remaining troops made up of the old and weak(motley troops unfit for combat duty)

disgusting

honour worthy men of letters

rumours and gossip

In the lurch

wander all over the world

have failed in all engagements

unidentified(of unknown origin; of questionable antecedents; of dubious background)

Old people may still cherish high aspirations.