- a law unto themselves
- a man after his own heart
- a stumbling block
- a thief in the night
- a thorn in the flesh
- all these things must come to pass
- all things to all men
- and the word was made flesh
- at their wit's end
- be fruitful and multiply
- born again
- bottomless pit
- by their fruits ye shall know them
- charity shall cover the multitude of sins
- crumbs which fall from ... table
- death, where is thy sting
- den of thieves
- dreamer of dreams
- eat, drink and be merry
- eye for an eye
- fallen from grace
- fatted calf
- fell by the way side
- fell flat on his face
- fell on stony ground
- fight the good fight . . .
if you want to add to the list, email the phrase(s) to books@guardian.co.uk
