a few years ago; some years back
to fall in love at first sight; (arch.) to see for the first time; (arch.) to meet for the first time; (arch.) to have sexual relations for the first time
to do for real; to do in real life; to carry (a story) into actual practice
to ill-treat; to bully; to torment; to be tough on (e.g. one's body); to treat harshly
somehow; for some reason; without knowing why
to become attached (to); to take (to); to become affectionate (with); to be tamed; to get close (e.g. to someone emotionally); to become intimate (with)
to cast amorous glances at a man (of a woman); to make eyes at; to give (someone) the eye; to make advances
to receive punishment; to be punished; to pay a penalty
to fabricate; to invent; to make up (a story); to cobble together; to put together (in a slapdash manner)
plot; intrigue; scheme; conspiracy
inner palace (reserved for women); harem; seraglio; consort of the emperor
topic of discussion; agenda
to be imaginable; to be conceivable
evasion; avoidance; shirking; recusation (of a judge); taking exception (to a judge); challenge
ringleader; mastermind; leader (of a plot)
abhorrent; abominable; detestable; ominous; inauspicious; unlucky
(staring) piercingly; (looking) hard
to trail (of smoke, clouds, etc.); to hang (of mist, haze, etc.); to lie (over); to linger; to flow (e.g. of hair in the wind)
stone paving; cobble paving; stone steps; check (pattern); pavé (rectangular dessert, usu. made from chocolate or several layers of sponge cake)
before one's own eyes; from under one's very nose; without doing anything; without resistance; helplessly; negligently
convening; calling together (e.g. parliament); call-up (for military service)
suicidal act; self-destroying action; suicidal action
lightning; flash of lightning; lightning bolt
one's father; one's old man; middle-aged (or older) man; old man; one's boss; proprietor (of a restaurant, store, etc.)
counter for small animals; counter for rolls of cloth (two han in size); (arch.) counter for horses; roll of cloth
to collude (with); to conspire (with); to make friends with; to get along well with; to become intimate (with opposite sex); to establish a secret liaison (with)
immediately; instantly; with nary a pause; without a moment's delay
intent to kill; intent to murder; urge to kill; murderous impulse
to choke; to be choked (by); to sob convulsively
colouring; coloring; sex appeal (esp. of women); sexiness; interest in the opposite sex; sexual feelings; charm