Locked up tighter than a nuns knickers

It's so dry the trees are bribing the dogs

Gave it a lick and a promise (they did a poor job)

Amputate your timber (go away)

Beat the devil around the stump (to avoid responsibility)

Brick in his hat (he's drunk)

Didn't have a tail feather left (being broke)

Hard row to hoe (tough job)