tug of war (orig. a form of divination to predict whether the year will be favourable or unfavourable); forward puller (of a rickshaw)
to work hard; to work diligently
to brace one's legs; to stand firm; to plant one's feet (firmly on the ground); to hold out; to persist; to make an effort
to be enthusiastic about; to be eager; to be keen
increasingly; more and more; decreasingly (when declining); less and less
withdrawal; secession; separation; breakaway
festive mood; holiday mood; festive atmosphere
outward appearance; apparent
to run out of; to dry up; to be depleted; to hit the bottom; to bottom out
throwing in; inserting; investment; commitment (of funds, personnel, etc.); launching (a product into the market); introduction
to lash out at; to flare up at; to fly at; to turn on
reality; actuality; actual conditions; ultimate reality; absolute truth
God only knows; it's anyone's call; heaven knows
exhaustion; consumption; using up; dissipation; waste
about; concerning; related to; -ish
tearing someone in two by tying their legs to two carts moving in opposite directions (form of medieval punishment)
to paste; to stick; to affix; to station; to post
I got it; I see; I now know; So that's the reason
to shrug (shoulders); to duck (head); to draw back (body)
depression; melancholy; dejection; gloom; despondency
first arrival; first in race; suit of clothes
to make out to be; to set someone up (as); to prepare (e.g. someone for a role); to make (e.g. "a man out of him"); to frame
designation; specification; assignment; appointment; pointing at
with an interesting history (story); with a shady history; with circumstances that are difficult to explain
at this stage; at this point; now (contrasting with the past)
shy; diffident; retiring; reserved
how should I put it?; what shall I say?; well, you know; like
resentment; grudge; pent-up anger; frustration; bitterness
row of teeth; set of teeth; dentition
suddenly and forcefully (e.g. jerk, poke, shove); in a single gulp; in one go
troublesome matter; burden; difficult task; chore; hassle
to forgive and forget; to let bygones be bygones; to sweep under the carpet; to wipe the slate clean
as one pleases; irresponsibility; free-for-all
in a crowd; ganging up (on); joining forces
fireball; ball of fire; will-o'-the-wisp; jack-o'-lantern