Despite a late surge from the favorite, the underdog managed to win by a nose.

If one lies about the expenses, one may get one's tits in a wringer when the auditors show up.

If you're not sure, just take a guess and see what happens.

Trying to get blood from a stone, the negotiator spent hours persuading the reluctant witnesses.

A clear explanation from him is blood from a stone.

After hours of negotiation, trying to get blood out of a stone, she finally gave up persuading the stubborn supplier to lower the price.

His champagne tastes on a beer pocketbook surprised everyone at the thrift-store gala.

Her champagne tastes on a beer wallet were obvious when she insisted on five-star restaurants despite a nearly empty bank account.

I have a question about the new schedule; could you clarify the meeting time?

After standing for an hour, she finally decided to take a pew at the back of the church.