mouse; rat; dark gray; dark grey; slate (color, colour)
but then; although; though; reasonable; natural; just
crowd of people; great number of people; in great numbers
to scurry home; to run home; to fly back
maid; helper; help; assistance
impediment; burden; encumbrance; hindrance; drag
willingness (e.g. to do something); eagerness; motivation; inspiration; determination; high aspirations
concrete; definite; specific; material; substantial
to improve one's skill (esp. at calligraphy or drinking larger amounts of alcohol)
husband; master (of a house, shop, etc.)
sweetly (smiling); broadly (grinning)
to sew; to stitch; to weave one's way (e.g. through a crowd)
or something; for instance ... (though there are other suitable options); ... or ...; as soon as; right after; while still
to disdain; to look down on; to make light of; to hold in contempt; to scorn; to despise
teaching the basics; initiation; introduction
firing; shooting; fire; gunshot; marksmanship
to study (in depth); to learn; to take lessons in
(real) ability; true strength; merit; arms; force
party (gathering, celebration, etc.); party (group, political, etc.)
wait-and-see (situation, stance, etc.); waiting to see (how things play out); watching developments (before acting)
unnecessary trouble brought upon oneself; stirring up a hornet's nest
firm; determined; resolute; conclusive
in preparation (for); in case (of); in the lead-up (to)
to collapse into; to flop onto
to sleep like a log; to sleep like a baby
light; easy; non-serious; minor
composition; piece of music; tune; melody; enjoyment; fun
a little; a bit; somewhat; slightly; rather
becoming irritated (suddenly); getting annoyed
congratulations!; well done!; best wishes!; all the best!
after a long time; for the first time in a while
enjoyable; fun; pleasant; happy; delightful
future (usually near); prospects
obedient; meek; docile; honest; frank; upfront (about one's feelings)
hard; solid; stiff; tight; strong; firm (not viscous or easily moved); safe
wife; bride; (one's) daughter-in-law
surely; certainly; without doubt