clearheadedness; sharpness of mind
close aide (of a powerful person); close associate; entourage; attendant; retainer
to support; to prop; to sustain; to hold at bay; to stem; to check
skilled manager; resourceful general
study; pursuit of knowledge
right arm; right-hand man; right hand; right-handed pitcher
extraordinary; uncommon; remarkable; unusual; rare; prodigious
exile; banishment; eviction; elimination (e.g. of poverty); removal
to be complete; to be all present; to be equal; to be uniform; to gather; to assemble
to recommend (a book, someone for a position, etc.); to suggest
inexperienced person; novice; greenhorn; green hand
to deceive (with words); to cajole; to talk into; to explain away (e.g. unpleasant evidence); to argue away; to wheedle
use; adoption; acceptance; appointment; employment; engagement
target; object (of worship, study, etc.); subject (of taxation, etc.); coverage
to grant (a wish); to accede; to comply with; to heed
discriminatory; discriminative
to complain; to make a complaint
minority group (party); minority
having had enough; flatly refusing; wouldn't do for anything; begging pardon
growth; development; stretching (one's body, e.g. when waking up); (ability to) spread (of paint, cream, etc.); elongation; extension
a few years ago; some years back
day by day; by the day; (arch.) daily; (arch.) every day
to be sluggish; to make little progress; to show little growth; to fail to improve; to level off; to not grow as much as expected
to turn up (of evidence, etc.); to become known; to be arrested; to be caught (of a criminal); to be moved to a higher position (of a body part); to be raised (e.g. of a hand to ask a question)
specialization; specialisation
at a disadvantage; in an unfavourable position; having poor prospects; standing little chance
because of; on account of; about; on; per; for every
having said that; on the other hand; (but) then; (but) still
means; way; method; measure
secret communication (with the enemy); collusion; betrayal; adultery; (extramarital) affair
to see through (a lie, scheme, etc.); to see into (someone's mind); to read (someone's true feelings); to penetrate
compensation; equivalent value; consideration
nice; likeable; desirable
Five Dynasties (of China; 907-979)
attachment (esp. to things); love; affection; fondness
discontent; dissatisfaction; complaint; grievance
one's own discretion (idea, responsibility)