Here are a few idioms that you will find in the story. Look for them in the dictionary in the following way. First, arrange them in the order in which you would find them in a dictionary. (Clue: An idiom is usually listed under the first noun, verb, adjective or adverb in it. Ignore articles or prepositions in the idiom). To help you, we have put in bold the word under which you must look for the idiom in the dictionary.)
(i) at/from close quarters – (close : adjective)
(ii) break into a simile – (break: verb; look under ‘break into something’)
(iii) carry on – (carry: verb)
(iv) have a clean record – (you may find related meanings under both these words)
(iv) beat about the bush – (verb)
Now refer to your dictionary and find out what they mean.
(i) At/from close quarters-to stand near somebody to observe something about him.
(ii) Break into a smile-to pass instant smile to the other person.
(iii) Carry on-to continue in a process.
(iv) have a clean record-keep something for reference.
(v) Beat about the bush-not to say exactly.