The Big Four

With the world on the brink of the Second World War, there is more political turmoil when it appears that the famous Peace Party is in fact a cover for the war-mongering organisation Big Four. This complex investigation reunites Poirot with his old friend Japp, as they investigate a case marked by deception, disappearances and death.

sinsiter, far-fetched： unlikely and unconvincing; implausible. "the theory sounded bizarre and far-fetched"

sight for sore eyes, bigwigs,

prerogative: a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class. "owning an automobile was still the prerogative of the rich"

natter: talk casually, especially about unimportant matters; chatter. "they nattered away for hours"

larder: a room or large cupboard for storing food.

get the wind up (one): To make someone very anxious, upset, or frightened. If they keep putting pressure on you, we'll threaten them with legal action—that should get the wind up them!

ferret out: to find (something, such as information) by careful searching He's good at ferreting out the facts.

whole-hog: committed without reservation

bare-faced: shameless and undisguised. "a barefaced lie"

reciprocate: respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one. "the favor was reciprocated"

implore, contemptible, hear the end of

a flea in one's ear: a sharp reproof. "she expected to be sent away with a flea in her ear"

faint hearted: lacking courage; timid. "they were feeling faint-hearted at the prospect of war"

charade: an absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance. "talk of unity was nothing more than a charade"

tramp, theatrical

Indeed, “No man is a hero to his valet” is listed in many sources simply as an old French or English proverb. The meaning of the proverb is that a servant (such as a valet) does not usually have the same grand, positive view other people may have of the servant's master or employer.