island; one's territory (of a sex worker, organized crime gang, etc.); one's turf
previously; already; for some time; for quite a while
geisha; dressed-up beautiful woman
the strait gate (in the Bible); the narrow gate; high barrier (to enter a highly competitive school, company, etc.); difficult hurdle; difficulty
even at the best of times; already; (even) under normal circumstances; in addition to; as it is
being empty-handed; bare hands (in a fight); being penniless
to excel at; to be proficient at; to grow old; to ripen; to rise high (e.g. of the sun)
experienced person; person who has had a particular experience
representation; representative; exemplification; typification; leader; switchboard number
the present regime; the existing regime
service; help; discount; discounted item; free service; freebie; service
literature; books (reference); document
before it happens; beforehand
rearing from infancy; training from an early age (e.g. an apprentice); teaching from an early stage (e.g. a subordinate)
throwing in; inserting; investment; commitment (of funds, personnel, etc.); launching (a product into the market); introduction
bitter enemies in the same boat; rivals finding themselves together by chance; strange bedfellows
Wu and Yue (two rival states in ancient China)
to make clear; to clarify; to disclose; to make public
ignorance; innocence; stupidity
several people; a few people
advance warning; previous notice; prior announcement; herald; harbinger; forerunner
bold; daring; unflappable
to shake; to waver; to tremble
celebrated personage; big-wig; person in a high position
unprepared; careless; imprudent; indiscreet
much less; to say nothing of
to forgive and forget; to let bygones be bygones; to sweep under the carpet; to wipe the slate clean
striking a deal; coming to an agreement; making noodles by hand; making handmade noodles; manual input (on a computer, etc.); entering (text) by hand
mystery; something inexplicable; unfathomable (of a Buddha's abilities); 10^64 (or 10^80)
not necessarily so; is not always true; there is no guarantee that ...; there is no telling
logic; reasoning; argument; line of argument
summer vacation; summer holiday
to be shrewd; to be sharp; to keep your wits about you; (lit.) to pluck out the eye of a live horse
to win through (e.g. to finals); to advance
to be worth; to be worthy of; to deserve; to merit
troublesome matter; burden; difficult task; chore; hassle
indicates being the subject or receiver of an action, decision, etc.; -ee (e.g. employee, examinee, trustee)
specimen; sample; object to be examined