"Money is a great servant but a bad master."

in debt

-> (red)

Answer explanation

ex: You should stop spending money excessively or soon you will be in the red before you know it.

And ya know, money doesn't grow on trees.

in credit/ making profit/ have money in the bank and not in debt (of a person or a business)

-> (in)

Answer explanation

After growing from breakeven, the company was finally in the black again.

* breakeven (n): the fact of a company or a product not making a profit or a loss:

- antonym: in the red

to replace sb, often take the job that they have just left

-> (shoe)

Answer explanation

Who do you think will step into Sarah's shoes when she goes?

reach the lowest point

-> (rock)

Answer explanation

be at rock bottom

-> Confidence in the government is at rock bottom.

reach/hit rock bottom

-> Prices have reached rock bottom.

-> They were selling the goods at rock-bottom prices.

-> The president's approval ratings have hit rock bottom.

to suffer cuz of lack of money,to have problems with money because you are earning less than before:

-> (feel)

Answer explanation

When my father lost his job and we had to live on my mother's earnings, we really started to feel the pinch.

a person/company is weak/ a failure

-> (duck)

Answer explanation

lame-duck (a)

He seems to have turned into a lame duck in recent years.

bring advantages at a later date

-> (pay)

Answer explanation

I have a firm conviction that my hard work today will pay dividends.

"cuz hard work pays off"

strong control and discipline

-> (hand)

Answer explanation

Reforming these young offenders requires a firm hand.

I need somebody who can run the companty with a firm hand - not take any nonsense.

to take dangerous risks

-> (play)

Answer explanation

You're playing with fire if you try to cheat on the test.

to fire, sack, eject, dismiss sb from their job cuz they did sth wrong

-> (boot)

Answer explanation

You are not cut out for the job. Actually, you messed things up.

Sorry miss, I have to give you the boot.