British, American & Australian, American

threatening behaviour which is intended to frighten someone.

After months of sabre-rattling, the two sides have agreed to a peaceful resolution of their differences.

• be the picture of [health/innocence etc.]
• be the picture of innocence
• be the right side of
• be the salt of the earth
• be the soul of discretion
• be the spitting image of
• be the spitting image of someone
• be the talk of the town
• be the toast of
• be the toast of someone
• be the worse for wear
• be the wrong side of
• be thick on the ground
• be thinner than all get out
• be thin on the ground
• be thin on top
• be three sheets to the wind
• be thrilled to bits
• be tickled pink death
• be tickled to death
• be tied to mother's apron strings
• be tied to your mother's apron strings
• be tight-arsed
• be tight-lipped
• be tired and emotional