Something that comes along appears or arrives in order as part of a series of things that happen in time.
Example: We had a son and then a few years later a daughter came along.
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phrasal verb come along, follow the link.
A whole heap or a whole lot is a large number or amount.
Example: I've got a whole heap of work to do today.
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Something that is as rough as guts is crudely made or done without much attention to detail.
Example: His painting is rough as guts - he hasn't even bothered to do the edges carefully.
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To get out of strife is to get out of trouble.
Example: I f I get this job we can get out of strife with the bank.
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Hands on experience is direct experience or something learned by doing and not just being told.
Example: This new course is very hands on.
By patch of dirt he means an area of land, and in this case a very large area of land.