A whale is a serious gambler, a high roller.

In AmE to give someone the hairy eyeball is to look at them askance.

If you poke your nose in or into something, it means you are interfering or too interested in someone else's business. 

If you throw in the sponge, you give in and admit defeat.

If your are energetic and vigorous, you are feeling your oats.

If something has gone for a ball of chalk, it has gone terribly wrong.

If you shake in your boots, you are terrified.
(Quake/cower in your boots are also used. You can also shake in your shoes.)

If someone tells you to fill your boots, they mean that you can help yourself to as much as you want of something.

If soething is queer as a three-dollar bill, it is obviously untrue or fake.

If people are up in arms, they are complaining or protesting angrily about something.