complete ruin; collapse; losing (something) completely (e.g. face)
self-restraint; self-control; abstinence
to become desperate; to give way to despair
workforce reduction; personnel cut
inexperienced; immature; green; grassy-smelling; smelling of raw vegetation
working exclusively for; working full-time (for)
to chase; to run after; to pursue
second offense; second offence
stimulant (e.g. psychoactive drugs like methamphetamine, ritalin, etc.)
this world; this life; the free world (outside of prison, the army, red light district, etc.); this corrupt world; present world
whitewashing; glossing over; lip service; deftly finishing up; putting on the final touches
criminal investigation department; CID; criminal investigation section
gathering evidence (e.g. to back a news story); getting the facts; obtaining supporting evidence
medicinal poisoning; chemical poisoning; drug poisoning; drug addiction
where one has gone to; place one has gone to; (outing) destination
jostle; struggle; scuffle
Buddhist family chapel; altar room
how many months?; how long?
former convict; old offender; ex-convict; person with a criminal record
engineering firm; contractor
perfect; complete; flawless
after (a long process); at the end of; last line (of a renga)
not writing or contacting for a while; neglecting (failing) to write (call, visit, etc.); long silence
making a killing; making easy money; robbery
spotlight; public eye; public's attention; goldfish bowl
to resort to violence; to perform a drastic act
taking command of a corps in a battle; command exercised by the leader of a group
time and time again; many times; a number of times
to wash again; to reconsider