much-talked-about; recently popular; in vogue
jus sanguinis; principle that citizenship is determined by that of one's parents
fine performance; tour de force
blackmail; extortion; racketeering; blackmailer; extortionist
remaining unchanged (from the old state of things); none the better for the change (if at all)
who cares?; I don't give a damn; what does it matter?
patriotic concern for the future of one's country
fuck you!; don't fuck with me!; don't fuck around!; don't be a screw off!
to bring into the open; to reveal; to uncover (e.g. evidence); to bring to light
state secrets; secrets of the state
merit system (as opposed to seniority); meritocracy; ability-ism
fruition; fructification; bearing fruit; bearing fruit (of efforts, plans, etc.); coming to fruition; yielding success
insurance payout; insurance money
(it was) no bother at all; not at all; it was nothing
turmoil; chaos; confusion
hot topic; talk of the town
selfish; egoistic; self-serving; self-interested
to stand in (someone's) place; to be in a (certain) position
floor above; floor upstairs
inducing; causing; triggering; giving rise to
a lot; many; (not) much; (not) many; almost (none)
personage; person (deserving of respect)
to have (someone) by the short hairs; to have something on (someone)
declaration; statement; proclamation