make bricks without straw

bang straw

A farmer's servant, especially a thresher.

buy straw hats in winter

Of stocks, to buy when both demand and price are low, so as to sell when demand and price are high.

cannot make it

Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

doctors make the worst patients

It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

draw the short straw

To be selected to do an undesirable task (by drawing the shortest straw or otherwise).

enough to make a cat laugh

Very outlandish or outrageous.

enough to make the angels weep

Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

fine feathers make fine birds

Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.