slow action cannot save an urgent situation

On the verge of death or destruction

stupid

evasive(fumble)

orders are as inviolable as a mountain

be led up to meaningful afterthoughts

in disarray

too late to repent(One's remorse will be too late.)

rue it in vain

like to be a master to others

try every possible way to persuade somebody

be as much censured as praised(be as much praised as blamed)

undecided(be indecisive in one's mind)

power capable of saving a desperate situation

devil incarnate(fiend in human shape; the god of this world)

dare to confront the greatest danger

dies faustus(propitious date; lucky day)

run amuck(run riot)

sweat like a bull(sweat like a trooper)

deliberately complicate an issue