Baseline - a line serving as a basis, as for measurement, calculation, location; something, such as a set of data, used as a basis for comparison or as a control in a study; a starting point. Example - "The experiment is meant only to provide a baseline for other studies."
To bear the brunt - to receive the worst part of something unpleasant or harmful, such as an attack. Example - "Education will bear the brunt of the cuts"
To set the record straight - to tell the true facts that have not been accurately reported. Example - "If we are wrong and Brian would like to set the record straight, he should come talk to us tomorrow.
Schadenfreude - enjoyment obtained from the trouble of others. Example - "When the winning team saw their rivals saddened by defeat, they felt a sense of schadenfreude."
To give someone a dressing-down - to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong. Example - "She was given a dressing-down by the coach"
Parlance - a particular manner of speaking. Example - "It must be pointed out that in common parlance, this distinction does not find its ready expression.
To disenfranchise - to deprive someone of a right or privilege. Example - "We strongly oppose any measure which would disenfranchise people from access to legal advice"
Self-aggrandizement - an act undertaken to increase your own power and influence or to draw attention to your own importance. Example - "Critics accused him of self-aggrandizement"
To take something by storm - to conquer someone or something in a fury; to captivate completely; to quickly win popular acclaim. Example - "The singing star took the audience in each town by storm."
Flare up - a sudden outburst of something' to begin to increase in intensity. Example - "A war flared up in the Middle East" "My rash flared up when I went outdoors into the sunshine."