不是省油的灯
Trouble maker
【注音】bú shì shěng yóu de dēng
【解释】不是一个安分、老实的人
This is a metaphor for someone who is not docile or doesn’t toe the line.
【例子】
例：三个儿子没有什么出息，两个女儿也不是省油的灯。
Ex.：None of the three sons show any good prospect, and neither of the two daughters are fair ladies.
    
唱高调
Say high-sounding words, affect a high moral tone
【注音】chàng gāo diào
【解释】唱高调就是说大话或者说空话
This means you’re talking high-sounding words or bushwa.
【例子】
例：新来的经理就会唱高调，不会干实事。
Ex.： Our new manager is not a man of action but empty talk.