occasionally; once in a while; now and then
small; little; slightly less than; just about; somewhat; somehow
to struggle for; to compete with; to vie with
overall; general; as a whole
gentle; quiet; mild; quiet (color, pattern, etc.); sober
request; favour (to ask); wish; please
to hold fast; to protect to the end
in preparation (for); in case (of); in the lead-up (to)
light; light (colour, food, comedy, etc.); right; right field; right fielder
reliable; dependable; trustworthy; hopeful; promising
seeming very ...; just like ...
on closer reflection; on second thought; come to think of it; actually
armed might; military power; the sword; force
overthrow; defeat; bringing down; knockdown
military force; military strength
restriction; restraint; limitation; limit
stipulation; prescription; normal (unit of normality); compulsory exercise (in gymnastics); compulsory routine
constitution; rules; regulation
private citizen; civilian
umbrella; parasol; something shaped like an umbrella or a conical hat; shade (of a lamp); mushroom cap
dull; dreary; dissatisfying; disappointing; unattractive; unappealing
standing upright; standing bolt upright; rearing
but then; although; though; reasonable; natural; just
indiscrimination; without discrimination; indiscriminate
measurement error; calculation error; discrepancy; deviation; difference
participation; taking part in; participating in; being concerned in
to pinch and crush; to pinch out
victim (esp. someone killed); casualty
theory; reason; logic; (unreasonable) argument; strained logic; excuse
to knead; to mix with fingers; to quibble; to argue for argument's sake
to make noise; to make racket; to rustle; to swoosh; to make merry; to clamor; to clamour
was it?; I think it was ...; if I've got it right; (I, we) used to ...; I remember ...; it was ...
anticlimax; let-down; disappointment; loss of interest
there is nothing; having nothing
hanging banner; hanging screen; curtain
to await; to wait for; to expect
the whole nation; everyone in the country
great disaster; catastrophe; train wreck
duty; responsibility (incl. supervision of staff); liability; onus
ringleader; mastermind; leader (of a plot); forerunner; pioneer
lady (of high social status; e.g. scholar, artist, critic, politician); Ms; Mrs; Miss
annoying; infuriating; provoking; irritating; aggravating; vexing
odious; hateful; detestable; (speaking ironically) darling
how dare ...; how could ...; surprisingly; unexpectedly