to reach the point where ...; to come to ...; to come to be that ...; to start to ...; to begin to ...
imperfect; incomplete; faulty; defective
blade; sword; forged blade; wavy pattern on forged blades; sharpness; unhulled rice
to stab (into); to thrust (violently); to plant (in the ground, snow, etc.); to set; to stick (upright)
to be nearing death; to be dying
to reel; to wind; to turn (pages); to flip through (a book); to count (e.g. the days); to open one-by-one
magic bullet; magic bullets
archer; bowman; shooter; gunner
before one's eyes; in one's presence; up close; personally
Spanish bar; Spanish-style restaurant with a counter, serving food, alcoholic drinks, and coffee; balcony
you; Mr; Mister; older brother; elder brother
to go away; to become more distant; to fade away; to be estranged
old; aged; long; since long ago; of the distant past; long-ago
association; socializing; socialising; fellowship
upper level; upper grade; high rank; advanced level; senior level; upper class
to receive favor; to receive assistance; to receive help; to be looked after; to be taken care of; to become dependent (on)
unexpected; unforeseen; inconceivable
irony; sarcasm; unexpected; different from what one expected; (only) surface; something superficial
close (e.g. friend); familiar; familiar (e.g. story); well-known (to one); close (relatives); closely related
to be injured; to sustain a wound
remainder; remnant; (not) very; (not) much; too much; excessively; extreme
(not saying anything) no matter what
to perform the last rites over the deceased; to give someone their final notice (e.g. when firing them); to give someone the final word
connection; link; relationship
request; favor; favour; reliance; dependence; trust
gradually; steadily; slowly; little by little; step by step; by degrees
faltering; tottering; halting; unsteady; awkward; clumsy
to break off; to come to an end; to be interrupted; to be cut short; to pause
to burst into tears; to burst out crying; to begin to cry; to be moved to tears
recommendation; referral; endorsement
ambition; aspiration; sinister designs; treachery
to be worried about; to be concerned for someone's welfare
direction; orientation; suited to; suitable for; tendency; inclination
(nearly certain) death; extremely dangerous place (or situation) from which one might not return alive; proper place to die; dilemma; predicament
my goodness!; oh my!; oh dear!
everyday; always; at all times; frequently
by sheer strength; by brute force
correction; rectification; mending; repair
to overcome (opposition); to push past; to force one's way; to press and cut
proposal; motion; recommendation
generally; on the whole; general; rough; outline; main points
tension; resilience (e.g. of hair); springiness; will power; spirit
to take back; to get back; to regain; to recover; to restore; to recoup