Idioms and Phrases

The idiom 'make ducks and drakes of something' means to squander or waste it, typically referring to money, resources, or opportunities. It comes from the game of skipping stones across water. 'Squandered' means to waste something in a reckless or foolish manner, which perfectly matches the meaning. 'Distributed' or 'spent' don't capture the sense of wastefulness, and 'gave in charity' implies a positive purpose.

The phrase 'went to the winds' means to vanish, disperse, or be completely lost or wasted. When ventures or efforts 'go to the winds,' they are dissipated and come to nothing. 'Dissipated' means to scatter or disperse, which matches this meaning perfectly. It doesn't mean spreading for good coverage, gaining speed, or becoming famous - it means being lost or destroyed.

'Once in a blue moon' refers to something happening very rarely. Seldom too means something that happens rarely or not too often. No other option fits...never is too extreme.

 To pretend to be something that you are not 

The phrase 'took to task' means to scold someone angrily or severely.

 'Greasing the palms' means to bribe someone.

'To eat your words' means to admit that you said something wrong.

To make a clean breast of something means to tell or confess the complete truth.

Tall stories is an idiom that refers to exaggerated or unbelievable accounts of events. The other options don't represent the idiomatic meaning: to get into trouble, to happen, or to write a long story.

Laws which are harsh and severe are termed as draconian. Thus, such laws are called draconian laws, meaning laws which are extremely severe.

A Spartan life refers to the ancient Greek city-state of Sparta, known for its disciplined, austere lifestyle with few comforts. Ascetic describes a life of self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, which matches the Spartan ideal of simple, rigorous living.

The phrase describes having multiple commitments or responsibilities to handle simultaneously. Doing many things at a time correctly captures this meaning of multitasking or juggling numerous tasks.

To sail under false colors means to pretend to be something you're not, originally from ships flying false flags to deceive enemies. A hypocrite is someone who pretends to have virtues or beliefs they don't actually possess, which matches the idiomatic meaning.

To do something in cold blood means to do something deliberately or with cruel intent.

'By the way' is a phrase indicating that the speaker is adding information.