has never (done, occurred); there has never been an instance (where); there is no precedent (for)
as expected; as predicted
as one would expect; naturally; indeed; still; all the same; after all
order; observance; discipline; rules; law; regulations
in 8 or 9 cases out of ten; in all probability
brush tip; first on a list; head; chief
temporary; provisional; interim; special; extraordinary; extra
to entrust (to someone); to leave (in someone's hands)
preeminence; excellence; superiority; transcendence
influential person; powerful person; big wheel; big gun; power behind the throne
fierce (fight, competition, etc.); severe; hot; hard; bitter; keen
order; rank; position (e.g. in a race); precedence
competition; contest; rivalry; competition (between organisms or species)
vertex; apex; top (e.g. of a mountain); summit; top (of a profession, field, etc.); summit
to stand (up); to rise; to stand (in a position; of a person, tree, building, etc.); to be situated (in, on); to be (in difficulties, the lead, etc.); to put oneself (in a position or situation); to leave (to do something)
mastery; skillfulness; dexterity; master hand; expert
if; in case; supposing; worst (case); unexpected (occurence); unforeseen
to be careful; to pay attention; to take care
unskillful; poor; awkward; imprudent; untactful
to behave; to conduct oneself; to act; to treat (someone) to (food or drink); to entertain (e.g. to lunch)
true character; true form; true colors; consciousness; one's senses
to leak out (of a secret); to come out; to be exposed (of a lie, improper behaviour, etc.); to get away (of a fish)
single word; a few words; brief comment
to open (one's eyes) wide
he; she; that guy; that; that one; that thing
time after time; countless times; many a time; dozens of times
to compete with; to argue with; to quarrel
not funny; not a laughing matter; not a joke
to be at wits' end; to be greatly perplexed; to be troubled
he; she; that person; (arch.) you
poor (at); weak (in); not very good (at); not one's cup of tea; not one's favorite
it is assuredly that ...; can say with confidence that ...; did not ...
to read; to recite (e.g. a sutra); to chant; to predict; to guess; to pronounce; to read (e.g. a kanji)
to be prominent; to be conspicuous; to stand out; to be outstanding; to be remarkable; to be striking
now that you say that; now that you mention it
wonderful; marvelous; strange; strangely enough; oddly enough; for some reason
warning; caution; admonition; keikoku (penalty in judo)
arm; ability; skill; (physical) strength
certain; sure; no doubt; reliable; dependable
obedient; meek; honest; frank; straight (e.g. hair); without peculiarity
to take (seat, position, course, office, etc.); to assume; to ascend (the throne); to accede; to start (on a journey); to commence
very; greatly; much; just about to; almost; very nearly
to protect; to guard; to defend; to keep (i.e. a promise); to abide (by the rules); to observe
honest; frank; candid; honestly; frankly
frustrated (over a failure, humiliation or injustice); annoyed; chagrined; (bitterly) disappointed; bitter; vexed
to pretend to be tough; to put on a brave front; to whistle in the dark; to bluff