From Shakespeare originally

When he heard that he had lost his job, it was cold comfort to learn that he could keep his car.

The selection of candidates was done in a hit or miss manner so that nobody knew why they were chosen.

She had got herself in a pickle by trying to please everyone at the same time.

I'm afraid that my poor old car has finally breathed its last.

You're living in a fool's paradise if you think they're going to pay you for nothing.

It was a total mystery as apparently there was neither rhyme nor reason why he did it.

There is clearly a sea change in the way people now look at crime today.

They looked everywhere for the lost passport but it seems to have vanished into thin air.

When it comes to a crisis, Charles is a tower of strength.

Whenever he has been treated badly, he always demands his pound of flesh.