Idioms

generally; on the whole

strictly following the rules or official procedures

By the narrowest possible margin; only just barely.

be abandoned, neglected, or fail before completion

to remain so precarious that collapse or failure could happen at any moment

To deal with a situation as it develops rather than following a fixed plan.

rescued from an awkward situation at the last moment

To deal with a difficult situation directly and bravely.

clever in a self-defeating way, so one's crafty plan causes trouble instead of success

by whatever method is necessary, whether fair or unfair

for the same or a closely related reason

to do something by instinct and improvisation rather than by plan

Very close together physically or closely associated.

by an extremely small amount or margin; only just