cross (v) oppose, speak against

drift = gist = meaning

[catch sb's drift]

[get the drift]

ransom note

It bugs me

dues (n) = member fee

French braid = French plait

slit your wrist

not the sharpest knife in the drawer / not the sharpest tool in the box = not intelligent

unconscionable (j) (of an action) so bad, immoral,... that it should make you feel ashamed

in your element: doing what you are good at and enjoy