to able to enter the New Year (i.e. have work finished, debts paid, etc.)
to compare and contrast two alternatives; to weigh the relative merits of A and B; to weigh one's options; to try to have it both ways; to try to sit on two stools
last business day of the year
rescue squad; rescue party
written order; order form
to become bright; to become clear
bargain goods; loss leader; eye-catching goods; featured product
to steal another's spouse; to steal another's lover
fax; facsimile; fax machine
rolling stock; railroad cars; wheeled vehicles
closing part of a balance sheet; balance of accounts
to knock down; to beat up (till unable to stand)
(school) period; period or division of time; time limit
shaft (e.g. machinery); axle; shaft (golf club); mine shaft; pit
material witness; suspect
new product; new line (of products)
to work hard; to make an effort
to assemble (in a hall); to meet together (in a room)
rapid increase; proliferation; surge; explosion
comeback; recovery; restoration; rally; reflexive (in grammar)
to be incomparable; to be completely different matters; to be completely different things
locking on (to a target, esp. by radar)