1) Fifth Column
-Lilian was worried that a fifth column was undermining her position at work
-In World War 2, after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, America believed a Fifth Column of Japanese-Americans were assisting the nation of Japan.
-The Nationalist president got votes by making people fear a Fifth Column in the country.
Definition: is any group of people who undermine a larger group such as a nation or a besieged city from within. The activities of a fifth column can be overt or clandestine. Clandestine fifth column activities can involve acts of sabotage, disinformation, or espionage executed within defense lines by secret sympathizers with an external force.
Etymology: Emilio Mola, a Nationalist General during the Spanish Civil War, told a journalist in 1936 that as his four columns of troops approached Madrid from the North, West, South and East, a "fifth column" of supporters inside the city would support him and undermine the Republican government from within. The term was then widely used in Spain. The fifth column never showed up.
2) Sweep under the rug
-The Queen decided to sweep the identity of the prince's real father under the rug
-The employee who made a mistake swept it under the rug in the hope his boss would not notice.
-The President wanted to sleep his affair with the intern under the rug
Definition: To avoid discussing or dealing with (something negative or troubling.
Etymology: This idiom alludes to sweeping dust under the rug, so it won't be seen. [Mid-1900s ]
3) Game Face
-John brought his game face when he went to the quiz show
-Edith put her game face on for the interview
-Jeremy Lin brought his game face on for the NBA playoffs
Definition: a confident swagger you bring out when you are about to get ready to tackle something difficult, or when you are about to take on a challenge. Or when you are getting ready to get down to hard business.
Etymology: use began in the 1980s