1. Tug of war 拔河，拉锯战，两派间的激烈竞争

There is a political tug of war in the White House between those in favor of the proposal and those against it.
一场支持与反对提案的政治拉锯战正在白宫上演。

释义：

Tug：用力拉、拖、拽，源于拔河运动。

2. Twiddle one's thumbs 无所事事，无聊

Don't just sit there twiddling your thumbs; we are piled up with work.
别坐在那里无聊地绕拇指好不好？我们有干不完的活！

释义：

twiddle：绕动，搅动

twiddle one's thumbs：无聊地绕动着两个大拇指。表示懒散、无所事事。