when push comes to shove; when needed; when necessity arises; when the moment arrives
setting the table; laying the table; setting up; getting one's ducks in a row; running interference
to change into; to convert into; to transform; to be reduced; to influence; to improve (someone)
flexible; lithe; soft; pliable
muscle stiffness (esp. in shoulders); lump (in tissue, esp. breast); swelling; lingering discomfort; uneasiness
tender-hearted; compassionate; charitable; good-hearted
softly; mildly; gently; politely
to be pleased with; to suit
playing with a handicap of one rook or bishop
face card; court card; picture card (in utagaruta or iroha karuta)
May; fifth month of the lunar calendar
over a wall; crossing a fence
discord; disharmony; false note; being out of tune
double-lined fusilier (Pterocaesio digramma); Taiwan (nickname); Takasago (classic noh play by Zeami)
conduct of business; management; acting as agent (of a land owner, house owner, etc.); being in charge (of a house, etc.)
announcement; presentation; demonstration; displaying; showing; introducing
being concentrated on one thing; devoting oneself completely to something
grandmother; old woman; female senior citizen
ordinary; average; run-of-the-mill
labor; labour; toil; hardship
to pour (into a vessel); to fill (a cup, bowl, etc.) with; to dish out (food or drink)
disagreeableness; unpleasantness; nastiness; cutting remark; disagreeable remark; snide comment
tenant (esp. in contrast to a landlord); renter
matchmaker; go-between; intermediary; middleman
celebration; celebratory event; congratulatory gift; tip; gratuity
abusive language; foul language
yellow; high-pitched (voice); shrill
to be on the verge; to be on the brink; to get close
to deepen; to heighten; to intensify
to smash down; to beat in
master; expert; mansion; large house; rich family; distinguished family
very hard; with utmost effort; as hard as one can; (of a samurai) devoting oneself to (the defence of) one's territory
slander; bad-mouthing; abuse; insult; speaking ill (of)
deliberately; carefully; thoroughly; without rushing
covering; protection; backing; relief
to congratulate; to celebrate
to be able to manage somehow or another
certified (as genuine, valuable, etc.); guaranteed (article); of established reputation; acknowledged; pièce de résistance