university or college offering four-year programs; the big four ...; the four major ...
to run away; to flee; to avoid (a question, responsibility, etc.); to evade; to win without being overtaken; to hold off the other contenders (until the finish)
to pour in (liquids); to pour in (money); to pump in (investment)
(an) unknown; unknown number; variable; unknown quantity; not yet known
assertion; declaration; affirmation
ceremony; rite; ritual; service
continent; continental Asia (esp. mainland China); continental Europe
solitary island; isolated island
probably; (most) likely; in all likelihood; I suspect; I dare say; I'm afraid
jewel; precious stone; gem
a second time; again; once more; twice
to feel around for; to fumble for; to investigate; to probe into; to explore (parts unknown); to enjoy (natural beauty)
to disappear (of people or animals); to go (away); to leave; to no longer exist
base (of operations); site; location; center; foothold; stronghold
to transfer (to a different place, group, etc.); to change; to move to the next stage (of a plan, etc.); to divert (one's attention) to; to focus on (something different); to spend (time); to let (time) pass
to bring to a finish; to bind firmly; to superintend
it's my turn; the ball is in my court; it's up to me
imagination; supposition; guess
not straightforward; not dealt with by ordinary means; very hard to manage
once; before; formerly; never yet; never before; first time
standing facing each other (e.g. mountains, buildings); standing opposite each other; confrontation; squaring off against (adversaries, armies, forces); standing off against
formidable enemy; strong enemy; tough enemy
type; kind; type (of person); (ideal) type; typewriter; typing (on a typewriter)
in a sense; in some way; to an extent
gear; cogwheel; cog (in an organization, company, etc.); cog in the machine
to clench (one's teeth); to grit; to engage (gears); to set to fighting (e.g. dogs); to pit against each other; to harmonize (an argument)
to make war (on); to wage war (against); to compete (against); to struggle (against adversities, etc.); to fight
trouble; hardship; difficulty; anxiety; worry; concern
opponent; rival; adversary; menace; danger; threat
use; exercise (of one's right, authority, power, etc.)
even; for starters; so; therefore; judging from; based on
rear gate (esp. of castle); back entrance; (opponent's) weak point; (arch.) force attacking the rear of a castle; (arch.) official in charge of imprisoning offenders
directly opposite; right in front
to dodge; to evade; to avoid; to sidestep
this is why; that is the reason why; it is the case that; so; thus; with that
after all; because; but; even; too; as well
with a smooth, unhindered motion; speedily and without delay
to ward off (e.g. an attack); to fend off (e.g. a question); to elude; to evade; to dodge; to turn aside (e.g. a joke)
match; game; bout; contest
progress; pace; carriage; step; stage
player (of a sport); athlete; team member