opposite side; bottom; rear; back; lining; inside; in the shadows
stealing a march on; getting a head start; secretly acting before others; solo raid on an enemy's camp (for glory)
understanding completely; understanding all there is to know
to overcome (opposition); to push past; to force one's way; to press and cut
although I say; although one might say; although called
considerable; great; important; significant; a big deal
small grain; small stature or ability
to bend; to crook; to lean; to tilt; to bend (the truth); to distort
final; eventual; ultimate
to break; to be broken; to be folded; to give in; to back down; to turn (a corner)
forcefulness of speech; influential voice
to raise; to lift; to boost; to enhance
elevation; rise; improvement; advancement; progress
to bare one's fangs; to snarl (at)
to feel like it; to get to think that way; to become so minded
just one person; only one
dust; trash; garbage; negligible amount; tiny bit; hustle and bustle (of life)
to change; to alter; to transform; to reform; to revise; to amend
possible; potential; practicable; feasible
another family; another house
check; keeping in check; containment (of enemy forces); diversionary action; pickoff throw; holding a runner on base
deterrence; ability to deter (an attack, etc.)
tone (of voice); manner of talking
though; notwithstanding; although
consent; assent; agreement; understanding; comprehension; grasp
underestimation; undervaluation
possession; retention; maintenance
threat; bird-scaring device (scarecrow, gun, etc.)
power balance; balance of power
to collapse; to crumble; to get out of shape; to lose one's shape; to break down; to be thrown into disarray; to crash (stock market)
so far; up to now; hitherto; that's enough (for today); it ends here
present condition; existing state; status quo; current state
in accordance with; according to; as X, then Y (e.g. as we age we gain wisdom, as wine matures it becomes more valuable, etc.)
face; mask; face guard; (in kendo) striking the head; surface (esp. a geometrical surface); page; aspect
to doubt; to distrust; to be suspicious of; to suspect
to invite; to ask; to beckon; to wave someone in; to call in; to send for
disadvantage; handicap; drawback; inadvisability; inexpediency; loss
to suffer; to receive (kindness, rebuke, support); to sustain (damage)
guess; speculation; supposition
to press against; to push against; to force against; to foist on (task, responsibility); to impose (one's will)
beneficial; profitable; useful; helpful; instructive
merit system (as opposed to seniority); meritocracy; ability-ism
all talk; glib; insincere; empty; specious
powerful person; influential person