change; transformation; inversion
Herculean task; next-to-impossible undertaking
just right (time, size, length, etc.)
to darken; to get dark; to be clouded; to be hidden (behind clouds)
protection; safeguard; shugo (Kamakura or Muromachi period military governor)
all (there is); as long as there is
stubborn; obstinate; pigheaded
crow (Corvus spp.); raven
hardening; vulcanization; hardening (of attitude, stance, etc.); stiffening; upturn (in the market); firming up
ranking equal with; comparing favourably with; comparing favorably with
pressure; clamping; tightening; fastening
pressure; oppression; suppression
moribund state; near-death; barely alive condition
with a whiff; with a puff; suddenly; abruptly; without warning
small pieces; fragments; chopped meat; scraps (of beef, pork, etc.)
to prick; to stab; to poke; to prod; to use (a cane); to prop oneself up with
to work too hard; to try too hard; to strain oneself; to overdo it; to go too far
to run swiftly; to dash; to rush; to race
devising (a way); contriving; device; design; dedication to spiritual improvement (esp. through Zen meditation)
to display one's real ability; to show one's real ability; to show one's stuff; to show oneself at one's best; to really shine; to come into one's own
to make (good) progress; to move right ahead (with the work); to advance
this very day; today is the day (that ...); today for sure
tediously; repetitively; insistently; ad nauseam; at great length
to open one's eyes wide (as in fear or anger); to faint
hairlines (on an engraving)
partly open; in half bloom
to dart one's eyes about; to be surprised; to be bewildered; to be confused; to be flustered
drop (e.g. of water); drip
speaking of; (I told you) already; come on
female high-school student
to fail; to blunder; to make a mess; to drink up; to eat up
stand-offish; distant; not frank; watery (alcohol, coffee, etc.)
moment to quit; way to quit