Summary
Highlights
To "pass the buck" means to blame someone else for something you are responsible for. An example given is politicians blaming others when their policies fail. Conversely, someone who 'owns up to their mistakes' does not pass the buck.
To "have designs on" something means to have a desire to do something or to want something. For instance, police caught thieves who had designs on stealing diamonds. Another example describes someone having designs on taking another's job.
To "dig one's own grave" means to do something that will seriously harm oneself. An example is Henry smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, which is harmful. Another scenario involves Alicia making jokes about her boss, which put her in a difficult situation.
If something is "on the line," it means it is at serious risk. The example given is an employee whose job would be on the line if he was late one more time. Firefighters' lives are also on the line due to the dangerous nature of their job.
To "weather the storm" means to successfully handle a difficult situation or period. An example is a mayor weathering a tough election and getting re-elected. Another illustrates an uncle recovering from the flu, indicating he weathered the storm of illness.