long metal chopsticks (for handling charcoal, esp. in a brazier); fire tongs
usual; normal; stereotyped
sudden; abrupt; rapid; sharp; drastic; radical
westernization; westernisation
modernization; modernisation
political measures; policy
superstition; superstitious belief
exterminatory measure; eradication campaign
(former) imperial university
propulsion; drive; promotion (of a policy, project, movement, etc.); furtherance; advancement
tide; current; tendency; trend
to look at from a biased viewpoint; to look at with a prejudiced eye
event; phenomenon; matter
curse; divine punishment; wrath (of an angry spirit)
to use; to make use of; to utilize; to utilise
starting point; point of departure
to distance oneself (from); to keep (something or someone) at a distance; to maintain a distance (from)
black magic; sorcery; magic tricks; juggling
warp; curvature; curve; arch
magic; witchcraft; sorcery; spell
escape; break-out; prolapse; proptosis
last (i.e. immediately preceding); previous; pre- (e.g. premodern); before; before; earlier
separation; farewell; parting
sense of language; feeling of a word; impression a word makes; nuance
information media; press; news organs
public opinion; popular voice; public sentiment; consensus
uncomfortable feeling; feeling out of place; sense of discomfort; malaise; physical unease
this (very thing); this precisely
ignorance; innocence; stupidity
to drive to death (e.g. by suicide); to cause to die
choices; alternatives; options
(wrestling) ring; forum (e.g. for discussion); sandbag; gabion
patiently; with perseverance
to get down to business; to cut to the chase; to get straight to the point; to move on to the main subject
careful; cautious; prudent; discreet; deliberate
to choose one's words (with care); to be careful with one's words
belonging to (a group, organization, etc.); affiliation (with); being attached to; being under the control of
by means of; due to; because of; according to
rear gate (esp. of castle); back entrance; one who arrests; force attacking the rear of a castle; (opponent's) weak point
there is no need to ...; never happens; there is never a time when
everyday; always; at all times; frequently