1.shabby--looking

There is  more  to  the  shabby--looking than   just  make  ends  meet.

2.hope  against  hope

When  earthquake occurs,  we  should  hope  against hope ,never  give up  our beacon  for  hope.

3.A  load  of =an  awful  lot   of

A  load of  past memories  flashed  in  my  mind.

4.gruffly

Devote  yourself  to  your  project,don't copy  others  gruffly  without  your own  standpoints.

5.dodgy=dangerous

This  is  a  dodgy  situation  .