make a clean sweep of something(carry all before one)

fish in troubled waters

pull together for a common cause

muddle…headed

bring calamity to the country and the people

become ashes and smoke(vanish like ashes and smoke)

boxer's sinuous posture

amidst flowers and in the moonlight

lift up one's heart(to take courage; exhilarate; be great overjoyed and inspired)

like a gentle breeze and a mild rain--in a gentle and mild way

till the seas dry up and the rocks decay

with ease and verve

never tired of studying

peaceful coexistence

Trouble breaks out at home.

extort taxes ruthlessly

very vividly portrayed

put old wine in a new bottle

flubdub(try to please the public with claptrap)

capital crack(old hand)