• 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 […]
Check how the word is used

Edge of reason

“reach for more” no idea why it makes me think of “living on the edge”

Anyway, the idiom for today is:
lose your edge

to lose the qualities or skills that made you successful in the past.
They’re still competing, but the old team being incomplete they lost their edge.

ps. What book is mentioned inthe title of this post (& what’s the polish translation for it?)

never lower your guard

to drop/lower one’s guard – to stop being careful to avoid danger or difficulty. As soon as we started talking about angling, he dropped his guard and soon we were chatting like buddies.