According to Rules: English Vocabulary List

used to say that one is free from suspicion or danger of wrongdoing

"After the test, I am in the clear."

"After the police found the real thief the innocent man was finally in the clear."

used to refer to the ability of the legal system and police to enforce justice and punish criminals

"The long arm of the law caught him."

"The long arm of the law eventually caught up with the criminal after ten years."

a tough and forceful way of questioning someone in order to make them reveal information or admit to something, often using harsh methods

"Mom gave me the third degree."

"My parents gave me the third degree when I came home late asking where I had been and with whom."

used to refer to someone who is imprisoned or serving time in prison

"The criminal is behind bars."

"The criminal is behind bars and will not be able to hurt anyone else for a long time."

to be in risk of receiving punishment or getting into trouble

"You are in for trouble."

"If the teacher finds out you cheated on the exam, you are in for a very serious punishment."

strictly adhering to established rules, procedures, or standardized practices

"He always does things by the book."

"The new manager does everything by the book and never breaks any rules at work."

rules that determine what one should or should not do in a particular situation

"Read the list of dos and don'ts first."

"The trainer explained the dos and don'ts of using the new software to all the employees."

a method or principle solely based on experience, which may not be completely accurate

"It is a rule of thumb."

"As a rule of thumb, it's generally a good idea to save at least ten percent of your income."

used to describe people who are easily targeted for criticism or are attracting significant negative attention

"The senator is in our crosshairs."

"The controversial politician found himself in the media's crosshairs after the scandal broke."

used to admit that the accusations or charges against one are true

"He stood up and said, guilty as charged."

"The defendant admitted that he was guilty as charged and apologised for his crime."

used to refer to a situation in which one is taking legal action to solve a problem or crime

"The detective is on the case."

"Do not worry about the broken computer because our IT expert is on the case."

to be in risk of receiving punishment or getting into trouble

"You are in for it."

"Given your repeated violations of company policy, you are certainly in for some serious disciplinary action."

approval to begin a project

"The company gave us the green light"

"The city council gave the green light for the new housing development project."

used to describe people who are easily targeted for criticism or are attracting significant negative attention

"He is in one's crosshairs."

"The investigative journalist placed the corrupt politician squarely in her crosshairs, determined to expose his misdeeds."

a statement indicating that something is safe and free of any defects or problems

"It got a clean bill of health."

"The thorough inspection revealed the old car to be in perfect working order, earning it a clean bill of health."