focusing on only one thing; obsessively; intensely; selfish; self-serving
specific; particular; designated; specifying; designating; identifying
or something; for instance ... (though there are other suitable options); ... or ...; as soon as; right after; while still
style; way; shape; dress; attire; clothing
power balance; balance of power
check; keeping in check; containment (of enemy forces); diversionary action; pickoff throw; holding (a runner) on base
curiosity; inquisitiveness
command; direction; supervision; conducting (an orchestra, choir, etc.)
to show signs of ...; to have the appearance of ...
shy; bashful; timid; reserved
assembly hall; meeting place; venue; site; grounds
writing implement; writing tool
lifeboat; friend in need; helping hand; timely help
sobbing; weeping; whimpering
a matter of course; what is to be expected; par for the course
to take offense; to take offence; to get angry; to lose one's temper
cruel; hard-hearted; harsh; unkind
to rule; to govern; to reign over; to subdue; to suppress; to quell
far and away the best; the very best; cream of the crop; crème de la crème; decisive lead; commanding lead
instead of; replacing; on behalf of
Revelation (book of the Bible); the Apocalypse
course; route; course (of study); program; lane (in running, swimming, etc.); course (of action); policy
to worry about; to be vexed
base (of a polygon); bottom (of the social scale); lower levels; base (e.g. of support); foundation
head; brains; intellect; understanding
male instincts; male frivolity
bog; marsh; swamp; quandary; dire situation from which one cannot extricate oneself; imbroglio
to reconsider; to rethink; to reassess
truancy; school non-attendance
if that's the case ...; if so ...; that being the case ...
affected; smug; pompous; conceited; snobby; pretentious
just cause; good reason; pretext; duty (to one's country, sovereign, etc.)
long-cherished desire; satisfaction (from achieving one's desire)
percent; per cent; percentage
recruiting; job offer; job vacancy