>>The fence mending probably wouldn't do a thing today, but in the long run, and medium too, would leave the recruiters for this kind of war without support.
>
>What's the point in fence mending anyway? they'd only go and run an explosive-laded wheel-barrow into it.
>
>Besides, doesn't fence-mendig suggest putting up a barrier. A better expresion would be "fence demolition".

I think the expression comes from American farmers - good fence means we won't get into a dispute if your cows walk into my cabbage.

>FYI other common expressions that are dead wrong:
>
>They talk of someone's "meteoric rise". - When was the last time a meteor was seen rising?

That's as dumb as it gets.

>I'm getting there, but "it's a steep learning curve" - Most graphs have time as the x-axis, and "gain" as the y. In other words, he's achieving great leaps of improvement in a very short time.

That's the trouble - any other newbie now knows he has to achieve the same great leaps in short time. IOW, he should achieve that, and it's not easy for many.

How about "exorbitant price"? I don't see how it can be worse than a price which is still on a regular path in the stratosphere or above.