maestro
someone who is brilliant or highly respected in their art; master
delusion
a false idea or belief that is caused by mental illness
scheme
a clever and often dishonest plan to do or get something
appall
to cause to feel shock or horror
hemorrhage
to lose (people, money, etc.) in a very fast and uncontrolled way
slog
a long period of hard work or effort
cahoots
working together or making plans together in secret
battering ram
a large and heavy piece of wood or other material that is used to hit and break through walls and doors
renowned
known and admired by many people for some special quality or achievement
vouch
to say that (someone or something) is honest, true, or good
sociopath
someone who behaves in a dangerous or violent way towards other people and does not feel guilty about such behavior