to use as a pretext; to use as an excuse
fast-talking; rapid talking
what; what sort of thing; everything; anything; what (on earth)?; what's the meaning of this ...?
(not) anywhere; nowhere; everywhere; anywhere
so; therefore; and; (and) then
sliver of hope; gleam of hope; ray of hope
right to decide; having say (in a decision)
to be raised (e.g. child); to be brought up; to grow (up)
he; she; that person; (arch.) you
to lead; to spearhead (a group); to command (troops)
interest (in something); curiosity (about something); zest (for)
to twine; to get tangled; to be involved (e.g. of money in a matter); to get involved (in); to pick a quarrel (with); to find fault (with)
(not) so; (not) particularly; (not) very; (not) that much
consequence; outcome; result; blame; fault
separate; respective; different
route; course; path; one's future course (e.g. after graduating high school)
to add (to what was said before); to say in addition
quite; very; 10^48; quindecillion
general; popular; common; typical
timidly; nervously; with nervous diffidence; trembling with fear
to raise one's hand; to surrender; to raise one's hand to someone (as a threat to strike); to become better (at something); to improve; to throw one's hat in the ring
popularity; favorable reputation; high esteem; respect
leader; central personage
... is the reason; ... is my excuse
to leave (something) undone; to neglect (a duty, task, etc.); to break (a promise, appointment, etc.); to stand (someone) up
jaw; chin; barb (of a fishhook)
to take (by force); to take away; to snatch; to absorb (one's attention); to fascinate; to captivate
leader; leaders; dotted line; reader (textbook); reader (i.e. a person who reads); microreader
brow; glabella; middle forehead; area between the eyebrows
to wrinkle up (e.g. one's eyebrows, nose, etc.); to furrow; to crimple
no matter how you put it; whatever the circumstances may be; say what you like; no matter how you look at it
serious; severe; grave; acute
to interrupt; to obstruct (a view, someone's way, etc.); to block (light, wind, etc.); to intercept; to cut off
apt to (do); liable to; predominantly; mostly; ... reaps the rewards; ... takes the prize
behavioral principle; principle (value) governing one's conduct
to satisfy (conditions, one's appetite, etc.); to meet (e.g. demands); to fulfill; to fill (e.g. a cup); to pack; to supply
complexion; skin tone; skin colour; countenance; look (on one's face); expression
outside (e.g. of a building); exterior; outside (of a group, company, etc.); outside world
to disappear (of people or animals); to go (away); to leave; to no longer exist