Un-cliche this

So I use a non-verb to assign us the task of converting these cliches into something fresh. Can we do it? Pick one from the list, and see what you can do with it. Is this a contest? No, not really, but it is an exercise in creativity and thinking in new ways. Please leave an answer in the comments, to share with everyone what you have done with one of these tired, old sayings.

1. a dead giveaway
2. his eyes darted
3. take a deep breath
4. tell a tale
5. stealing a look
6. fluttered to the floor
7. looking smug
8. in hot water
9. in spite of himself
10. mentally playing with the words
11. trying to visualize
12. absently reached out
13. in his mind's eye
14. suddenly realizing
15. smorgasbord of possibilities
16. while away the time
17. worth getting excited about
18. eyes took on a faraway look
19. a yearning in his eyes
20. something oddly similar
21. a plan was forming
22. looking for a clue