• machination
    DEFINITION: (noun) A crafty scheme or cunning design for the accomplishment of a sinister end. SYNONYMS: intrigue. USAGE: During his early youth he had to contend against the machinations of a malignant uncle, who would have robbed him of his large possessions. Discuss […]
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be home and dry
to have completed something successfully.
I’ve just got one more report to write and I’ll be home and dry.

dry run

an occasion when you practise doing something to make sure there will be no problems when you really do it.

We decided to do a dry run at the church the day before the wedding. We’d better have a couple of dummy runs before we do the real thing.

but:

run dry

to be all used completely

We have been told the Social Security trust fund will run dry in a few more years because so many people will be retiring