ALL MIXED UP
Arthur S. Verdesca

Hidden in the four phrases below is the same two-word, five-letter expression. The letters are consecutive, but they are scrambled, each in a different way, in each phrase. What is the expression, and why is it self-explanatory? (Wordplay is fair play.)

1. As white as a sheet
2. Work as a team
3. Take a stab at
4. Beats a dead horse

Answer:

The expression is AT SEA - which means to be confused - as the five letters are confused (mixed up):

1. as whiTE AS A  sheet
2. work AS A TEam 
3. takE A STAb at
4. bEATS A dead horse