Solving the Servant Problem
The worlds of science-fiction abound with wonders. 
Yet modern technology progress so rapidly that what 
may be today's wild dream may be next year's kitchen 
appliance. A British scientist has prognosticated that 
within ten years every suburban matron will have her own 
robot servant. One task this domesticated automaton will not 
have to content with will be scouring the oven because even 
today the newest ranges can be ``programmed'' to reduce 
their own baked-on grime to easily disposed of ashes.

A pig in a poke-- The mail order bicycle that my nephew 
bought turned out to be a pig in a poke, and he is now trying 
to get his money back.
(an item you purchase without having seen;a disappointment)