standard; criterion; norm; benchmark; measure; gauge
off the mark; off base; misdirected; irrelevant
reward; prize; treat; delight; small joy
to declare; to assert; to say bluntly; to say straight out
exaggerated; bombastic; highly colored; highly coloured
to put on a bold front; to act big; to be unyielding; to act formally; to act stiffly
straight face; composed expression; nonchalant look
holiday; vacation; day off; time off; leave; furlough