laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process; digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
spreading; disseminating; scattering; diffusion (of light, gas)
basics; fundamentals; basis; basically; fundamentally
war; battle; match; game; competition
performer (usu. in a boy band or girl group) with an image cultivated to foster a dedicated fan following; Japanese idol; (cultural) icon; idol; idol (object of worship); image
magazine; journal; periodical
cartoon; comic; comic strip; manga
to read; to recite (e.g. a sutra); to chant; to predict; to guess; to pronounce; to read (e.g. a kanji)
to guffaw; to roar with laughter; to laugh heartily
club activities; extracurricular activities
to work hard; to try hard; to strive; to endeavour; to endeavor; to devote oneself to
to sweat and slave; to toil away
educational institution; school; academy; campus
rejoicing; glorification; exultation; celebration; enjoyment; singing praises
opposite side; bottom; rear; back; lining; inside; in the shadows
to live through; to survive
I'm told; is what I heard; is how it is, apparently; is what they said
environment; surroundings; circumstances
to desire; to wish; to beg; to request; to have something done for oneself
to do for (someone); to take in; to deceive; to hoodwink
best; supreme; wonderful; highest; maximum; most
at a disadvantage; in an unfavourable position; having poor prospects; standing little chance
does not seem; unlikely; improbable
meddling; meddlesomeness; nosiness; meddler; buttinsky; busybody
to well (up); to gush out (of water); to appear (esp. suddenly) (sweat, tears, etc.); to sweat; to feel emotions (e.g. joy, bravery, etc.); to spring up (e.g. an idea, emotions, clouds)
solitude; loneliness; isolation
to weigh on one's mind; to trouble one's heart; to be concerned about; to worry about
to fly into a jealous rage; to go mad with jealousy
last; final; end; conclusion; rust
to leave (a matter, decision, etc. to someone); to entrust (to someone); to leave (to chance, one's imagination, etc.); to let (take its own course); to use (money, strength, spare time, etc.) to the full; to use freely
good humour (humor); good mood
OK; okay; fine (without); not needed; unnecessary
acknowledgement; acknowledgment; understanding; approval; consent
isolation; being alone; being friendless
feel uncomfortable; ill at ease; not feel at home
too; also; still; as before; even so; either way
after that; afterwards; thereafter
to experience (something unpleasant); to go through; to suffer
to mix; to stir; to blend
to get a lump in one's throat; to overflow with feelings; to be overwhelmed with emotion
mental condition; state of mind; mentality