HP 2 - Chapter 11

take the lead for

to be in charge or to guide a situation

give sb a fright

to scare someone or make them feel surprised and afraid

get / warm a confession out of sb

to make someone admit the truth about something, often after some pressure

take sth out on sb

to express anger or frustration on someone who didn't cause it

go the wrong way about sth

to approach a task or problem in the incorrect manner

create a diversion

to make or cause a distraction to shift attention away from something else

have got a clean record

to have no criminal or problematic history

cause mayhem

to create chaos or disorder

a swig of a drink

a quick, small drink

come in handy

to be useful or beneficial when needed

be all for it

to fully support or agree with something

be through with sb

to end a relationship or stop interacting with someone

hair stands on end

to feel extremely scared or shocked, often causing hair to physically raise

an aftermath of sth

the effects or results that happen after an event

play at sth

to engage in a light, non-serious way, often like a game

egg sb on

 to encourage someone to do something, often risky or impulsive

fret about sth

to worry or be anxious about a situation

bandy about sth

to casually discuss or exchange ideas, often without much seriousness

blast into / blow to smithereens

to explode or destroy something completely

can’t take it anymore

to reach a point where one can no longer tolerate a situation

be out of one’s hands

to be unable to control or manage a situation anymore