Beneath a Midnight Sky

“ Messaging “ by Suzán Jiván  Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  Messaging ahead with pledges  of prosperity  yet being left  in a mess by deep-pocketed  investors  while responding  to the latest trend adamantly against  underwhelming bullpens  getting, “ Mad as hell! “ at curvy letters sent by texters  typing much less of a mess...

“ Demanding “ by Suzán Jiván  Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  Demanding  lists of commands [Been there, done that] as a fairy tale baddie  like mascots  of big-eared bats paddlefish snot otters and landlocked  collared lizards digging in exhibiting symptoms  of a bigger picture wondering if  they’re only gimmicks to bare the truth  or to twist it  while withering  into slick ditties of science fiction having been given pink slips ...

“ Over “  by Suzán Jiván  Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  Over the last few weeks  morphing meanings  during crunch week  in parentheses  over chunks of concrete  knowing what tragedy means  no water no electricity  barely functioning  rain blowing in ...

” Clueless “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Clueless naked like an orange tan, say “Listen!” quaintly * bo-o-o-ring * Go order a drink [ Yawn! ] space balls welcomed at the front door order in the court one who spreads discord “What are you waiting for?!” a “Close call!” “Got it” checked the box ...

“ Unpredictability “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  Unpredictability  dangling possibilities  repeatedly agreeing  to uncertainty  while dragging feet across disastrous inequities  of consequential greed  as bad blood starts early  “Bully! Bully! Bully!” dodging stampedes screaming, “Not so sorry!” being labeled, “Won’t  break if dropped” like the mysteries  of methane on Mars  all from dust particles  wafting episodically  after living in rocks  as Homo erectus fossils ...

“ I’d Really Rather Not “ by Suzán Jiván  Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  I’d really rather not well, “La-di-da!” still popular  at beach bars  with no cause for alarm like four seven-ton clocks with bumps on a log competing in a down-hill slalom  “Close but no cigar!” Jacks-in-their-boxes reading, “Help Wanted” for prima donnas on red carpets  getting hot under the collar  feeling in need of a barn topper  as a counterpart to a Sushi bar  with a Teflon Don in a cookie jar  offered at body shops for first responders  only two feet apart  while, “Buying the farm” so to speak  “Oh Hogwash!” ...

“ It Emerges at Dawn” by Suzán Jiván  Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  It emerges at dawn where you might  get into hot water after running off  to a justice of the peace  repeating, “Awake and Sing!” but only briefly  reading like the lines  of a receipt  as words of greeting  meant  for hair-coloring techniques tweeting, “Freeze!”  the retweeting,  “Seen being blown to smithereens!” upon questioning the letter following, “X” ...

“ Last Wrote “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Last wrote flowing forward beyond the goal of a frenzied moment in slow-mo in the know on hold with the toehold of a cosmic joke as far as titles go humbly straightforward “lonely” reappearing in notes ongoing as “yes-or-no” ; “one-or-zero”...

“ Reblooming “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Reblooming understory trees arresting and spidery taller than wide becoming naturalized tight clay alkaline mounded above waterlines lopsided whites obvious in moonlight like fireflies glowing in a wooded environ beloved and fairylike yellow columbines upthrusting spikes Bells of Ireland striking in moonlight creamy and ivory feathery white starry starry night nocturnal flyers fluorescing nightlights rampant climbers...

“ A Tender Picture “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán A tender picture whirring and hovering sensuous fragrances wafting heavily in blue lunar light rough cedar uprights evergreens massive trees thriving benches on either side heavy clove-like fragrant vines Italian stone pines umbrella like against a night sky ghostly nursery species blooming heavily night flowering wild species points of release beneath moonbeams...

” Hard Choices “  by Suzán Jiván  Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán  Hard choices  storming  surging waters  calling reporters  cocksure discord  taking off  ripped-off rewards  ultimate divorces  affecting royalties  money laundering  unsettling stories  frailty conformity  rock halls  unknown authors  for short  in the metaphorical  corridors  of, “So on and so forth” ...

” The Literature of Legend “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán The literature of legend paying extra attention to commanding respect upon suffering post-partum depression as dogs guard the entrance symbolizing tensions upon suffering post-partum depression as dogs guard the entrance symbolizing tensions seeking bankruptcy protection in a free-agent frenzy so as not to offend the malevolent by embodying the five elements said to have been held together by the commissioning of an alphabet according to people with knowledge of the process ending in wholesome recipes with clever names like,  “Salad People Polka Dot Rice and Tiny Tacos” ...

“ Coming Full Circle “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Coming full circle at full tilt while firing on all cylinders then splitting the difference when coming within striking distance dressed to kill “Catch my drift?! play it by ear lend an ear prick up one’s ears all things being equal keeping on an even keel keeping one’s eyes peeled “Far be it from me!” ...

” By and By” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán By and by by and large cheek by jowl stand down under a cloud the corridors of power a sacred cow for crying out loud “I’ll eat my hat!” running in the family chew the fat fetch and carry a fighting chance show the flag fall flat a flight of fancy know a hawk from a handsaw blow hot air know where one stands...

“ Down to the Nitty-Gritty “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Down to the nitty-gritty out on a limb with bells and whistles get the picture the plot thickens in principle pure and simple read my lips riotous living in round figures running a tight ship run-of-the-mill self-willed short-shrift sidekicks the size of it thick skinned a slap on the wrist let something slip like a slip of the tongue while snapping something up no sooner said than done ...

” A Breathing Space “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán A breathing space at the break of day putting on a brave face via brainwaves breaking ranks naming the day far and away having a field day firing away into a golden age out of harm’s way while making hay...

“At the Crack of Dawn “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán At the crack of dawn get cracking a hard nut to crack come in handy at the drop of a hat hatches matches and dispatches heavy-handed hopping mad like needles in a haystack in never-never land making a one-night stand in no-man’s land looking through every nook and cranny gone off the rails as an old hand and a one-woman band gone out of hand sent packing traveling well beyond the pale all in the palm of one’s hand ...

” In This Day and Age “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán In this day and age the order of the day one of these days one of those days daylight savings saving face the noble sage scrimping and saving “I say!” getting one’s sea legs seeing stars looking sharp sitting back sitting tight sky-high “Try that on for size!”...

” A Curtain Raiser “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán A curtain raiser name the day have the day the order of the day that’ll be the day the devil to pay every dog has its day drop a clanger stare someone right in the face let’s face it it’s fair game like a figment of one’s imagination as a figure of eight that figures feeling fit as a fiddle throw a fit in a flat spin all from force of habit at full blast with a free hand fruit to bear all the fun of the fair well worth the candle ...

“Since the Year Dot” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Since the year dot on the dot dot one’s i’s easy on the eye the green light making up one’s mind sticking out a mile a miss is as good as a mile well beyond price take pride...

” Funny Ha-Ha “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Funny ha-ha What gives? glad rags the gift of gab in a lather a horse laugh the lion’s share looking after looking sharp looking smart thanking one’s lucky stars...

” Make Believe “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Make believe on bended knee between you and me and the birds and the bees wink wink a lucky streak hold no brief keep a card up one’s sleeve make a clean sweep the coast is clear compliments of the season cool one’s heels...

” At All Costs “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán At all costs have a friend at court cut a long story short as a dark horse nothing daunted at the crack of dawn just what the doctor ordered out of doors out of the top drawer while living like a lord over the long hawl...

” By the Skin of One’s Teeth “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán By the skin of one’s teeth between you and me and the birds and the bees a little bird told me have two bites at the cherry once bitten twice shy in black and white a blessing in disguise bolt upright like someone’s brainchild while having one’s bread buttered on both sides and looking at the bright side ...

” A Bed of Roses “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán A bed of roses blow hot and cold rock the boat take a bow well out of bounds knit one’s brows down in the mouth cat and mouse cheek by jowl told to take a powder for crying out loud down-and-out long and drawn out down to the ground at face value falling into place far and away currying favor having a field day fresh as a daisy ...

”Cross Someone’s Mind” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Cross someone’s mind dot one’s i’s as the crow flies a far cry from cut and dried in the dead of night for dear life leave a lot to be desired no dice let sleeping dogs lie drop by go dry high and dry easy on the eye see eye to eye at the end of the line great minds think alike your guess is as good as mine ...

” Funny Business “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Funny business in full swing the fur is flying as a piece of someone’s mind giving rise to a lick in time time flies let bygones be bygones while thinking twice in the twinkling of an eye in two minds in double time ...

” In Shape In Shipshape ” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán In shape in shipshape up the creek crocodile tears a damp squid a dark horse nothing daunted a dead duck a dead ringer falling on deaf ears clear the decks off the deep end to the nth degree between the devil and the deep blue sea ...

“ Taking a Busman’s Holiday “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Taking a Busman’s Holiday taking someone’s breath away putting on a brave face when given breathing space as a brainwave all on the side of the angels at a ripe old age of airs and graces taking up action stations under the aegis of “For heaven’s sake!” while holding sway by hitting the hay for horseplay ...

“ Negotiating “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Negotiating identify and grief tramping from Shantytown to Shantytown developing a knack for what really matters via social media accounts with feelings of success and power but victims don’t have status in need of a rally for “Just the facts, mame -  just the facts” like underdog attitudes of “This leads to that” as a passivity lapse losing fans as pre-programmed lost musicality ...

“ Skip that Part “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Skip that part rethink your acceptance speech become filled with whimsy and glee like a best weekend read as a surreal poetry reading with a jazz beat performed during open season by bel canto singers in a full-color series often seen on the big screen where feelings are a commodity for comic relief, “Time’s Up Chief!”...

“Resonating” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Resonating highly disseminated suspended naysayers rumors circulating ensuing speculation closest collaborators wearing lace blazers serving as translators inspecting details backstage building reputations at a crazy pace of global fame constantly mutating hip fashion names appearing on runways with trinket nicknames on long waiting lists of corporate crusades as the ultimate parlor game of charades ...

“Erupting with Ideas” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Erupting with ideas upsetting people with no apologies resplendency sometimes ugly humanity issuing edicts frenzied mea culpas streaming on social media heralding modernity outlasting peers from couture to high street RIP ...

”The Sidelines Matter “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán The sidelines matter black holes dance no small or quick task collisions of pairs looking for answers searching tooth and nail like arsenal travails getting research grants wizardry in the lab real actions whatever is out there ...

” Tracks Along a Sand Ripple “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Tracks along a sand ripple hot springs geysers lava flowing into ice silenced by a giant ice cap in between land masses sediments dragged called whalebacks gigantic scratches inexpensive lands tilting slanting slowly advancing rocky strata growing bodies depression ponds reservoirs woodlots outcropping piece conference nonprofit fuzzy spots tiny quarries whole colonies seeking pollen, “Do no harm!” ...

“Making Believe “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Making believe calling, “Mamma Mia!” in the front seat of magical alchemy experienced while sleeping and warding off fears by adopting uncertainty while music wafts from robotic arms on Mars singing: “Microscopic rocks are a real turn-on!” as images pop on of exposed bedrock...

” Have a Field Day “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Have a field day carry the day down-to-earth keep your one’s ear to the ground put (a place) on the map not to mince matters a mixed bag a night cap caught napping thumbing one’s nose at on the off-chance of becoming an old hand going well beyond the pale ...

” A Narrow Squeak “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán A narrow squeak worthy of the name name dropping the name of the game the call of Nature you name it make no mistake in the making make a face on the face of it while lying in wait on a red-letter day keeping a tight rein “Seize the day!” ...

“ Hedge One’s Bets “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Hedge one’s bets make heavy weather set the heather on fire go haywire hit the hay fall from grace sour grapes go against the grain go places from the word go give it a go then give up the ghost ...

“ As Bright as a Button “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán As bright as a button measuring up live and let live live it up the likes of leaning on someone till kingdom come on the up-and-up it’s a toss up ...

“Off the Cuff” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Off the cuff down on one’s luck losing touch pushing one’s luck not up to much clear as mud as keen as mustard near the knuckle next to nothing nip in the bud come to nothing nothing of the kind keeping an open mind in my own right ...

” Keeping One’s Word “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Keeping one’s word be as good as one’s word eat one’s word by word of mouth in a word in so many words mum’s the word playing on words just say the word all in a day’s work as a woman of many words...

”With a Free Hand” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán With a free hand the gift of gab blow the gaff throw down the gauntlet the gloves are off for good and all in good voice in one voice of the first order treading water water under the bridge if the cap fits go full tilt ...

”Strike a Bargain “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Strike a bargain get one’s bearings hedge one’s bets do one’s bit sweep the board cut the chord cloak-and-dagger What’s the damage? cut a dash the die is cast doubling back in dribs and drabs at the drop of a hat like fiddle faddle tickling someone’s fancy as a flash in the pan while flying off the handle and forcing someone’s hand at full blast all the fun of the fair lead up the garden path without a ghost of a chance throwing good money after bad what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander — How’s that grab you ?! ...

“ See Which Way the Wind Blows “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán See which way the wind blows hot and cold in the same boat once in a blue moon as tough as old boots break the news using a new broom while in cahoots biting off more than one can chew coming home to roost cutting one’s coat to suit keeping one’s cool being a credit to by crying for the moon: “Nothing doing!” ...

“ As Old As the Hills “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán As old as the hills over the hill take a hint make a hit hold it get a foothold as good as gold in a golden age with a golden handshake holding sway having one’s heart in the right place as plain as day call it a day in this day and age ...

” Lock Stock and Barrel “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Lock stock and barrel have the last laugh the last straw at (long) last the smell of the lamp a ewe lamb the straw that breaks the camel’s back left to chance like a king’s ransom gone off the rails all at random caught red-handed being read the riot act in big demand a big catch “What’s the catch?” ...

” Lay It on the Line “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán I Lay it on the line a leading light a new lease on life least said, soonest mended left right and center to the letter/one’s level best level-headed/on the level lie in wait/lie low bring to light come to light see the light II mark time stick out a mile bring to mind keep in mind peace of mind “Never mind!” ...

” As Lively As a Cricket “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán As lively as a cricket as the crow flies a far cry currying favor like a curtain raiser going out of date getting up to date in this day and age “That’ll be the day!” drop a clanger drop in drop by hear a pin drop while the ball drops as easily as falling off a log ...

” At the Back of Beyond “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán At the back of beyond not bad, too bad let the cat out of the bag and go bananas have someone over a barrel- a barrel of laughs put all one’s eggs in one basket like a bat out of hell beard someone in his den have a bee in one’s bonnet bet one’s bottom dollar fill the bill foot the bill top the bill (strictly) for the birds a little bird told me get the bug in the buff butter (someone) up as bright as a button ...

” With Flying Colors “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán I With flying colors as one’s creature comforts when the crunch comes and the cookie crumbles off the cuff of a culture vulture as happy as the day is long save the day, that’ll be the day some day, having seen better days win the day, to this day, those were the days II Striking a balance having a ball beating the band bearing in mind getting one’s bearings beat a path, bell the cat blaze a trail, do one’s damnedest at full blast, all the fun of the fair the gift of gab, glad rags, in good hands “How does that grab you?” ...

“ A Loaded Question “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán A loaded question a load off one’s mind look sharp look smart loom large lie low the low down frozen to the marrow meeting one’s match not mincing matters before the mast in the mass for that matter as a mixed bag in the off chance of holding out a carrot while carrying the can both root and branch ...

“ On Speaking Terms “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán On speaking terms generally speaking so to speak speak out speak up spin a yarn spill the beans rent one’s spleen spot on on the spot a tight spot spur on spy on stamp out it stands to reason get up steam let off steam stear clear cool one’s heels fire on all cylinders within striking distance hitting one’s stride yet taking someone by surprise with all sweetness and light catching sight side by side single minded try that on for size being praised to the skies all smiles ...

” Get In On The Act “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Get in on the act act the goat act up put on an act to advantage the aftermath in the open air up in the air all there an anchor-man as an angry young man knowing all the answers any old how out of grasp a grey area a show of hands coming in handy with an upper hand start a hare heads or tails?

“ Break the News “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Break the news bring the house down come down in buckets have butterflies in one’s stomach change the subject strike a chord at close quarters a close call behind closed doors come to the point at the crack of dawn crossing swords cutting a long story short staying above board ...

“ At Face Value “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán At face value eyeball to eyeball the naked eye more than meets the eye the end of the line I spied a live wire in double time a rough diamond never says die all in the dead of night while breaking the ice as the highly unlikely bottom line like the life of Riley ...

“ See Which Way “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán See which way the wind blows blow it blow over in the same boat rock the boat get the boot to boot take a bow bowl over break cover break the bank put on a brave face take one’s breath away break ranks all at the break of day..

“ Keep One’s Chin Up “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Keep one’s chin up come clean make a clean sweep as clean as a whistle the coast is clear come to rest in one’s element in the event of the essence of every now and then when words fail me take a fancy after a fashion given a fighting chance in a flight of fancy ...

“ As Clear As Crystal “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán As clear as crystal as cool as a cucumber a cut above getting one’s dander up do one’s nut talk the hind leg off a donkey down on one’s luck draw in one’s horns out of the top drawer in dribs and drabs drop in drop by dry up go dry high and dry wet behind the ears going in one ear and out the other easier said than done best of luck!

“ A Pride of Place “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán A pride of place put oneself in someone else’s place know the place fall into place bolt upright blow hot and cold beg the question beg to differ put off the scent behind schedule called into question pull out the stops spit and polish play possum out of pocket one’s trump card ...

“Whetting (Someone’s) Appetite” by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Whetting (someone’s) appetite the apple of someone’s eye an apple of discord the apple-pie order argue the toss of attic salt over one’s left shoulder throwing out the baby with the bath water while getting someone’s back up having the ball in one’s own court as the be-all and end-all at someone’s beck and call ...

” From A to Z “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán From A to Z thoroughly and completely A1 ABC all out all there all told the ancients the angels the answers by all appearances asking after all for the asking answering back knowing backwards and forwards not bad too bad bag and baggage It’s in the bag ...

“ Above Board “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Above board across the board go by the board a blue stocking a bolt in the blue once in a blue moon out of the blue burn one’s boots born with a silver spoon down to brass tacks as bold as brass the top brass good as gold go for the gold worth one’s weight in gold as warm as toast like the whys and the wherefores as small wonders fingers crossed keeping the wolf from the door in working order worth one’s salt ...

” Stand Fast “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Stand fast run in the family live off the fat off the land fat chance pulling a fast one tickling someone’s fancy after a fashion while playing fair fair game in (all) good faith fall from grace fall into place fly in the face making eyes at a private eye there’s always more than meets the eye feeling like a sight for sore eyes all in the twinkling of an eye...

“ All Things Being Equal “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán All things being equal the end justifies the means How goes the enemy? elbow grease What’s eating you? getting down to a low down a dressing down doubling back The die is cast! curiosity killed the cat back handed left handed coming in handy beyond compare like cloud cuckoo land and the clappers as cloak-and-dagger ...

“ Stay the Course “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Stay the course turn the corner at all costs pluck up the courage come up for something like a horse of a different color join the club keeping one’s chin up catching the sun coming down in buckets striking it lucky in the lap of luxury ...

“ One’s Nearest and Dearest “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán One’s nearest and dearest nowhere near yet their names are legion a narrow squeak as near as dammit caught napping nailing one’s colors to the mast tooth and nail down in the mouth giving a shout out shifting one’s ground at all hours houseproud breaking new ground ...

” Talking Turkey “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Talking turkey at every turn taking turns for the better rather than for the worse turn turtle U-turns What in the world?! only as good as one’s word all in a day’s work For all the world! at full tilt tilting at windmills as a final fling feeling fit as a fiddle keeping fit just for kicks jumping out of one’s skin adding insult to injury it’s an ill wind like a spitting image Get the picture?! ...

“ Slap and Tickle “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Slap and tickle laugh up one’s sleeve tongue and cheek something tells me in the space of a minute spill the beans so to speak the spirit is willing a sprat to catch a mackerel knowing where one stands stand down stand fast stand out stand up and be counted in good standing taking the good with the bad no strings attached suiting one’s actions what you win on the swings you lose on the roundabouts telling tales and all that that’s that ...

“ With Open Arms “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán With open arms an open secret with one’s eyes open open and shut knowing one’s onions out to do something going out on a limb over the hill owning up to something over the odds over the top for our part as proud as a peacock playing possum playing one’s trump card thickening the plot with spit and polish then going to pot while doing no harm choosing to press on ...

” The Green Light “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán The green light great minds think alike having an axe to grind grist to the mill It’s anybody’s guess! Guess what? hand in glove hands down coming in handy as hard as nails hard and fast the hard facts all at the drop of a hat ...

” Heart and Soul “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Heart and soul cross my heart as a heart throb warming the cockles of my heart warm and fuzzy like the bee’s knees to the best of my belief while on bended knee between you and me the birds and the bees taking two bites of the cherry ...

“ Head Scratching “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Head scratching backscratching scratching the surface starting from scratch betting the ins and the outs while on the house and on the outs and how! how come? how about out of house and home? at the eleventh hour keeping an open house “I’ll eat my hat!” hats off hands down ...

“ Beyond Compare “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Beyond compare beyond the pale a bird in the hand birds of a feather do one’s bit not a bit of it champing at the bit once bitten, twice shy What’s biting you? black and blue blow the whistle make the air turn blue out of the blue a bolt from the blue can’t say boo to a goose just give it a gander...

” Round the Bend “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán Round the bend all the best go one better for better (or) for worse have the best of both worlds not long for this world at the top of the world What in the world? if worst comes to worst none the worst for all one is worth it takes all sorts to make a world out of this world!

“ The Writing on the Wall “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán The writing on the wall for all one is worth writing something off getting off on the wrong foot putting one’s foot in it while coming to the fore holding the fort on all fours in free for alls by holding the floor like a fly in the ointment “I’d like to be a fly on the wall!” ...

” Having a Soft Spot “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Having a soft spot for soap operas as slips of the tongue while sleeping on someone letting things slide not in the slightest slipping one’s mind in the silly season deeming, “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!” by putting one’s shoulder to the wheel and showing one’s teeth short and sweet as white as a sheet seeing is believing like an open secret falling apart at the seams yet scot-free in the hot seat ...

” Not Born Yesterday “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Not born yesterday at the zero hour zeroing in for all it is worth being kept under wraps while on the wrong track but not for long for all the world What in the world? the worm turns none the worse set to work the last word all in a day’s work take my word wishful thinking Woe is me! without rhyme or reason not able to see the wood for the trees while waiting in the wings ...

” Not Up to Much “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Not up to much ups and downs up and coming up to a point up to the minute keeping a stiff upper lip on one’s uppers’ upper crust coming up with something up to one’s neck the jig is up! ...

“Taking a Backseat “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom- Mom Suzán Taking a backseat both bag and baggage all for the asking but to no avail all out all there all told clearing the air putting on airs left up in the air as the aftermath of getting caught in the act while taking advantage of Adam’s Ale ...

” High-Falutin “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán High-falutin high and dry come hell or high water in the heat of the moment the moment of truth the spur of the moment having money to burn spending money like water the morning after the night before having shot one’s mouth off all for the long haul but not for long girding up one’s loins long in the tooth living by one’s wits going at full tilt ...

” As the Crow Flies “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán As the crow flies till the cows come home like one’s creature comforts becoming as lively as a cricket with a fair crack of the whip after getting one’s dander up then going in one ear and out the other easier said than done in one’s element like a white elephant as a lose end feeling at the end of one’s tether coming to a sticky end how goes the enemy? hammering away with a golden handshake best to know a hawk from a handsaw and not fly off the handle belling the cat bending over backwards betting one’s bottom dollar as a big shot at the top of the bill take the biscuit thrilled to bits swallowing a bitter pill on the brink of out of the blue burning one’s boots having a bone to pick with a ton of bricks as the cats’ whiskers in the first instance after adding insult to injury trying to keep on an even keel while keeping the peace by turning over a new leaf and letting the grass g...

” A Shoulder to Cry On “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán A shoulder to cry on for crying out loud cry one’s eyes out at the crack of dawn laughed out of court cutting corners turning the corner at all costs cooling one’s heels playing it cool preaching to the converted as a contradiction in terms come off it! come to grips in a cleft stick as clear as crystal in the clear champing at the bit put the cat among the pigeons while butterflies flutter (in one’s stomach) as bright as a button ...

” As Steady As a Rock “ by Suzán Jiván Mom & Mom-Mom Suzán As steady as a rock go steady steady (on) steal a march on get up steam under one’s own steam steer clear soldier on on the spot spot on on and on shove off show off show up up and coming up to a point beside the point come to the point in point of fact cold hard facts face the fact let’s face it all work and no play have several, too many in the first place while muck-raking mouths agape...