The Sign of Four (novel by Conan Doyle)
both Houses of Parliament
idea commonly (generally) accepted in the world
smooth words make smooth ways; it's not what you say, it's how you say it
patriotic concern for the future of one's country
rejection; negation; voting down
to fall apart; to collapse; to be completely defeated (in battle); to be wiped out; (arch.) to fall apart (one's body or health)
since the dawn of history
to have a showdown; to settle (e.g. a dispute)
to jostle; to crowd; to haggle
word for word; verbatim; a single word and a single phrase
to beg forgiveness; to ask for someone's pardon; to ask for permission
investigation (e.g. academically, of the unknown); close inquiry (enquiry)
by choice; of one's own free will; on one's own initiative; off one's own bat
central government office; head office; this office
to commit a crime; to do evil
flagrante delicto; caught red-handed
lumping together; summing up; bundle; lump; batch
revision; amendment; alteration
will; intent; desire; will; testament
proxy; agent; substitute; deputy; alternate; representative
paper (in rock-paper-scissors); disappearing completely; coming to nought; foolishness; stupidity
to take advantage of; to impose on; to make an entry (in an account book)
atonement; the Atonement (of Jesus Christ)
to volunteer; to undertake a challenge
to get involved (with); to begin (with); to have a hand (in)
Bible; the Scriptures; Holy Writ
hut; house; boarding house; school dormitory; (arch.) one day's march (approx. 12.2 km)
order; observance; discipline; rules; law; regulations