1.

Autumn years it is often used to refer to the later years in someones life
In his autumn years, Peter was able to enjoy his garden a lot more
2. Apple of my eye someone who is cherished above everyone
Even though Frank has three children, his youngest has always been the apple of his eye.
3. Old chestnut it refers to a story or a joke that has been told so many times that it
becomes uninteresting.
Ted: The best years of your life are when youre a child.
Sue: Not that old chestnut again!
4. Golden handshake Used in Business English to refer to a large sum of money that is
given to an employee (normally high level) when they leave.
The CEO was given early retirement and a golden handshake of 800,000 when the
company was restructured.
5. Turn over a new leaf to reform and begin again
He has learned his lesson and has turned over a new leaf.
6. Take a leaf out of someones book to follow someones example
Alex has really done well to turn his life around. You should take a leaf out of his book.

7. Lost in the mists of time means that something has been forgotten because it happened a
long time ago
The true significance of these traditions have been lost in the mists of time.
8. To drive someone nuts to make someone go crazy
That noise is driving me nuts. Please stop at once!
9. To be nuts about someone or something to be obsessed with someone or something
I am nuts about that girl. Id do anything for her.

10. To squirrel something away to hide or store something like a squirrel

Lisa squirreled away a lot of money while she was working and now she can enjoy her
retirement.