local magistrate

circulate report(create an impression)

irresponsible and sarcastic remarks

convenient ways

fire blank shots(talk big; spout hot air)

stab somebody in the back(snipe at somebody)

native land

as different as chalk and cheese

a fish swimming in the cauldron

a fish swimming in the bottom of a cauldron

run to waste

demimonde

soap bubble

small shop run by husband and wife

put oneself under the patronage of a bigwig

renew one's youth

dust and stone fly as in storm(wind that carries sand and drives stones)

become powerful and intransigent

be not usual

swaying in the midst of a raging storm