to control; to take the lead in; to have under one's thumb
scandal; deplorable event
to stop talking; to be silent
This isn't over; I will get my revenge
planning; scheming; maneuvering; manoeuvring
embarrassing; embarrassed; ashamed; disgraceful; shameful
courteous; decorous; polite
elegant; refined; polished; high-quality goods; first-class article
countryside; country; 50-home township (comprised of 2-3 neighbourhoods)
village; hamlet; countryside; country
treasury; treasure house; storehouse; treasure trove; rich source (of)
going through; going via; going by way of
association; union; guild
examination; quiz; test; tryout; rehearsal (in filming)
the future is unpredictable; inscrutable are the ways of heaven; the irony of fate
historical event; ancient event; tradition; folklore; legend
still more; even more; much more; increased; greater
notice; attention; observation
to borrow; to have a loan; to rent; to hire
critical (touch and go) situation; explosive situation
implicitly; indirectly; tacitly; by implication; obscurely
expressing oneself without words or gestures; force of personality
deplorable; regrettable; disappointing; vexing; unfortunate
to be based on; to take into account; to build upon; to have one's feet firmly planted on; to plant oneself on
comprehensive; composite; all-embracing
adviser; someone to consult with; someone to turn to about one's concerns; confidant
to be affected; to put on airs; to pose
unnatural; affected; studied; forced
feeling good; feeling at ease; feeling easy
dumbfounded; overcome with surprise; in blank amazement; in a daze
astounding; tremendous; crazy; exorbitant
preemptive strike; preemptive attack; first strike
mediocre; ordinary; commonplace; banal
giving and taking; exchange (of letters); arguing back and forth; (conversational) exchange
to be surprised; to be amazed; to be frightened; surprise (e.g. surprise party)
gap; difference; disparity; discrepancy
to draw the line; to set a boundary; to make a clear distinction