• Slapping down the cards -- saying it how it is.
• A good deal of it -- a lot of it.
• Come what might -- whatever happens.
• Multitude of reasons -- a lot of reasons.
• Canary in a coal mine -- frequently used to refer to a person or thing which serves as an early warning of a coming crisis.
• Proving to be a process -- shit's tougher than expected.
• If the boot fits -- if you are something or are acting like something, why not call yourself that.
• So be it -- that's how it is.
• As is life -- that's how it is.
• Good graces -- Favorable regard; personal approval; kindly treatment.

Misc.:

• Squaresville -- super square/lame.