proxy; agent; substitute; deputy; alternate; representative
going to war; departure for the front; departure for military service (in response to a draft)
original; unique; distinctive; independent; one's own; personal
all eyes; public attention
big-shot; influential person; happy face; smiling face; sympathetic attitude; getting along with
offering a full report to a superior
to demand gratitude; to do something for someone in order to create an obligation of gratitude from that person
benefit; use; good; profit; gains
recommendation (of a person for a position); nomination
where ... is concerned; when it becomes; if it becomes
procedure; process; proceedings; formalities
to increase in value; to gain prestige
to surpass; to outdo; to excel; to tower above (the surrounding landscape)
number; number plate; license plate
in form; ceremonial; for form's sake; pro forma
substance; essence; real (in economics, vs. nominal, e.g. real interest rate); substantive; substantial
substantial; real (as opposed to nominal)
unforeseen; unexpected; sudden; accidental
chief vassal; senior statesman
often; again and again; over and over again; repeatedly; frequently
(meshes of) the law; net of the law; justice
to make a cynical remark (about); to make a sarcastic remark (about); to satirize; to mock
abuse; misuse; misappropriation; using to excess
to go too far; to go to excess; to carry too far
imperial government; imperialism; monarchical rule
prop; stay; support; brace; fulcrum
distrust; mistrust; insincerity; impiety; faithlessness
ministry; department; province (of China); saving; conserving
to whip; to lash; to give the rod; to spur on; to encourage