tactician; schemer; intriguer; resourceful person
bizarre plan; perplexing strategy; outlandish scheme
persistence; single-mindedness; sticking to one point; always making the same bet
boor; rustic; country bumpkin; lout
discussion; argument; debate
early stages (of a game); opening phase
to watch to the end; to ascertain; to determine; to know thoroughly; to obtain a deep understanding of
gaining time; stalling for time; time-buying
trifling; trivial; insignificant
diligent; absorbed (in something)
to talk down; to argue down
figure eight; figure of eight; shape of "hachi", the kanji for eight
splendid; magnificent; gorgeous
smart (clothing, etc.); stylish; slim; slender; skilful; slick
evil spirits of rivers and mountains
as is habit; the way life normally is
to win fame; to become widely known; to make a name for oneself
to get one's head around; to think about
to work out; to think up; to devise; to manage to find (money, time, etc.); to scrape together (funds)
to be on the verge; to be on the brink; to get close
morbid; unhealthful; insalubrious
hope; white hope; person of promise
complicated and mysterious
as a matter of fact; really; truly; entirely; completely; wholly
impromptu; improvised; extempore; instant (e.g. ramen)
(out of) desperation; (as a) last resort; (driven by) pain
flatly rejecting; curtly refusing; beating easily; defeating handily; one kick
opposite effect; adverse effect; backfiring
malicious; deliberately mean
political situation; political affairs
commander; general; leader
inner citadel; core; center; centre