important matter; matters of weight
the clouds look menacing; things don't look good
to pick out (with the fingers); to pull out; to throw out (e.g. of a bar); to drag out; to chuck out
vent; exhaust opening; exhaust port
taking a glance at; glimpsing at; taking a peek at; quick look; peep
to drive away; to turn away; to send away; to repel; to repulse
a little; a bit; somewhat; slightly; rather
such a stupid ...; what a crazy ...; no way!; what nonsense!; how can that be?
to send an army; to send soldiers; to dispatch troops
antipathy; antagonism; animosity; revulsion; ill feeling
as you (they, etc.) say; as you suggest; I absolutely agree
smelling burnt; smelling scorched; smelling of gunpowder (i.e. as if armed conflict is about to break out); tense; suspicious; dubious
meagre; meager; scarce; limited; destitute; hard up
close aide (of a powerful person); close associate; entourage; attendant; retainer
hard-liners; diehards; hawks
moderate faction; moderates
invitation; summons; bidding (e.g. to host the Olympics); calling
to spit out; to eject; to dump
decently; gracefully; plausibly; politely; tactfully; discreetly
losing one's position; losing one's standing; downfall; fall (from power); being overthrown
inevitable; unavoidable; certain; brinkmate (inevitable checkmate)
so what!; who gives a damn?
complication; confusion; disorder; chaos; dispute; conflict
to run counter to; to go against; to disobey; to infringe
right away; without delay; as soon as possible; very soon
to smoke; to smoulder; to be sooty; to be smoke-stained; to smoulder (e.g. a dispute); to smolder
to act first; to act precipitously; to be rash; to get ahead of oneself; to jump the gun
to gain an advantage; to enjoy an advantage; to turn the tables (on)
appropriate; suitable; proper; fitting
to proceed with; to continue with; to move on; to go forward; to pursue
to gain a victory; to win
here and there; this way and that way; everywhere; all over
proper; appropriate; due; suitable
event; festivities; function; social gathering; auspices; opening
to vitalize (e.g. an industry); to invigorate; to energize; to establish (e.g. a company); to build up; to set up
having serious consequences; costing dearly; cannot get away with it; for free; for nothing; easily
to worry about; to be anxious about; to be concerned about; to lament; to grieve; to mourn