prime of one's working life
dark (skin, complexion, etc.); swarthy; tanned
clay doll; clay figure; clay figurine
the three character styles: square and semicursive and grass
disreputable; scandalous; disgraceful
as if it were about oneself
skill; dexterity; proficiency
user; consumer; master (e.g. of swordsmanship); prodigal; spendthrift
outstanding talent; person of exceptional talent; gifted person
absence due to illness; sick leave
trial manufacture; experiment; test piece; prototype
adhering to; being a stickler for; being particular about; worrying too much about
antsy; agitated; irritated; anxious; vexed
to tower above the rest; to be by far the best; to be prominent; to be outstanding; to be a cut above
exchange of ideas; exchange of opinions; brainstorming
sleeping pill; sleep medication
periphery; margin; rim; penumbra
small hill; low hill; hillock
foreign travel; overseas trip
exotic mood; exotic atmosphere; exoticism
time after time; countless times; many a time; dozens of times
main; principal; chief; primary; major
expresses displeasure or disapproval; just from (doing); simply by
trouble (I have put you through); (your) hard work; thank you for your hard work; I appreciate your efforts
regular; ordinary (e.g. session of parliament); established usage; precedent; regular practice
(being) worth seeing; impressive
to improve upon; to make improvements to; to refine
older brother and younger sister
authority; power; function
grasping; seizing; holding; commanding; having control over
commander-in-chief; supreme commander
otome game; dating simulation game with a female protagonist and male love interests
mega-sized portion; mega-sized serving; mega meal
to lose heart; to lose interest; to lose motivation; to become stale (i.e. of a carbonated beverage); to go flat; to lose flavor
at every opportunity; for each and every thing that crops up; with every little thing; whenever possible; whenever the chance arises; at every turn
to kindle; to build a fire; to instigate; to stir up; to incite
head-on fight; head-to-head contest; serious contest
to become blunt; to grow dull; to become less capable; to weaken; to falter