to manipulate something dishonestly; to use underhanded tricks or schemes behind the scenes

to require a lot of effort or trouble; to be troublesome or complicated

to be in a muddle or at a total loss as to what to do; describes being flustered and not knowing how to handle a situation

To become so flustered or panicked that one loses presence of mind and does not know what to do.

prone to stealing; light-fingered. This idiom refers to someone who habitually steals or has a history of theft.

To cast off all restrictions and act freely or boldly.

to tie up one's own hands and feet; to restrict oneself or limit one's own actions

To mess around with something or use tricks behind the scenes, typically for dishonest or underhanded purposes.