of late; lately; this part; this point; here
to study (in depth); to learn; to take lessons in
if it's going to be that way, then ...; if given the choice; if possible; if anything
object cut off at the end; sudden, abrupt ending
to refuse; to decline; to deny
black curtain; wirepuller; mastermind; backroom manipulator
request; commission; entrusting (with a matter); dependence; reliance
originator; ringleader; perpetrator; main culprit; person responsible
mountain road; mountain trail
to ascend; to go up; to ascend (as a natural process, e.g. the Sun); to rise; to go to (the capital); to be promoted; to add up to
to be transparent; to be easily seen through; to be obvious; to be apparent
regular; normal; formal; legal; established; legitimate
snare; trap (for catching wild game, etc.); trap (i.e. ruse, subterfuge, etc.)
to restore one's energy; to restore one's spirits; to recharge one's batteries
to take (someone) by surprise; to do something unexpected
to hide; to conceal oneself
nothing special; nothing significant; not a problem
to pretend to be tough; to put on a brave front; to whistle in the dark; to bluff
what?!; what did you say?!; why?; what for?; anyone; anything
using every trick (in the book)
to a greater or lesser extent (degree); more or less
no, not like that (but like this)
(somebody else's) parents; both parents
antics; buffoonery; clowning; clown; jester
intangible; incorporeal; by force; outrageous; making light of; making fun of
discouragement; despondency; dejection; disappointment
unreasonable request; asking for something unreasonable
having a loose tongue; being talkative; speaking without thinking; being unable to keep a secret
incommunicative; taciturn
papier mâché; something that looks good superficially
portable painting used as part of the backdrop (in kabuki, etc.)
(many) trees; every tree; all kinds of trees
to push aside; to push one's way through
unattractive; ugly; unstylish; uncool
unattractive; ugly; unstylish; uncool
buttocks; behind; undersurface; bottom; last place; end
biggest; greatest; largest; maximum
to get back; to regain; to recover; to make up (for); to catch up on
if anything; conversely; putting it the other way around; coming at it from the opposite angle
evening; night; dinner; evening meal; counter for nights