(a) step ahead; (a) jump ahead
discovery (of a plot, misdeed, etc.); detection; exposure; disclosure
now that; since; so long as; because
to anticipate; to expect; to place confidence in; to put trust in; to find promising; to see good prospects (in)
inconsequential; indifferent; not worth worrying about; whatever; whichever; I don't care
sneakily; secretly; stealthily; on the sly
to express (orally); to put into words; to say out loud
clicking one's tongue; tut-tut; smacking one's lips (with relish)
is it?; isn't it?; be; is
moving about; stirring about
to grant; to give; to confer; to teach; to instruct; to impart (knowledge)
prosperous; flourishing; popular; widespread; active; lively
to talk together; to chat together
confrontation; opposition; antagonism
to be mixed; to be blended with; to be combined; to associate with; to mingle with; to interest
unbearable; intolerable; unendurable
to disturb; to prevent; to obstruct; to hinder
guest; visitor; customer; client; counter for containers used to entertain guests
with all due respect ...; I venture to say ...; Excuse me, but ...
complexion; one's colour; one's color; countenance; expression; one's face
state of things; state of affairs; condition; situation; circumstances
member; participant; attendee; lineup (sport)
soon; shortly; nearly; almost
hitting a ball; batting; stroke
hand game (e.g. rock-paper-scissors)
black curtain; wirepuller; mastermind; backroom manipulator
thin; pale; light; watery; thin; weak (taste, etc.); little (affection, etc.) not much (of a presence)
so; therefore; accordingly; consequently; on those grounds; that is why
to make a decision; to draw a conclusion; to give a judgement; to hand down a verdict; to let go down; to lower; to do oneself
beneficial; profitable; useful; helpful; instructive
discussion; talk; tête-à-tête; conference
lead; leading; lead (of a newspaper, etc.); lede; lead (wire); lead (e.g. dog); leash
beginning; start; first (in line, etc.); origin; such as ...; not to mention ...
approval; agreement; support; favour; favor
consent; assent; agreement; understanding; comprehension; grasp
wildly enthusiastic; crazy (about something)
to excite; to incite; to stimulate; to arouse; to tempt; to stir up
court (of law); courtroom