to compete ruthlessly; (lit.) to sharpen swords
merit system (as opposed to seniority); meritocracy; ability-ism
self-deprecating; self-mocking
nomination (of a person to a position); selection; election; assignment; appointment
life or death; existence; destiny
dishonor; dishonour; disgrace; shame
pleasure; supreme pleasure obtained by freeing oneself from earthly desires
personal criticism; character sketch
bad reputation; infamy; ill repute; unfavorable criticism; unfavourable criticism
asking; enquiring; searching; looking for
cruel; merciless; pitiless; tragic; horrible; terrible
to feel sorry (for, that); to regret (that); to feel pity; to sympathize
don't worry about it; never mind; that's OK
suggestion; hint; implication
to match (rhythm, speed, etc.); to join together; to unite; to face; to be opposite (someone); to compare; to check with
inquiry; enquiry; query; reference
forcing; compulsion; coercion; pushing (to do)
matter of the highest priority; top priority; first priority
submitting to (a demand, one's fate, etc.); putting up with; resigning oneself to; accepting (without complaint)
pleased; obliged; appreciative
to the best of one's meager ability; the little help one can be; though my help might not be worth much
someone who has come to say farewell; those who have come to say farewell; people at a send-off
fixed date; settlement date
remarkable ability; mastery; brilliant technique; go-getter; resourceful person; wizard
adventure; venture; venture which is unlikely to succeed; risky attempt; danger
anywhere; here and there; common; run-of-the-mill; ordinary
to put all one's skill (into doing something); to do something to the best of one's ability
fate; destiny; predestination
to boil; to seethe; to roil (e.g. waterfall, torrent); to foam; to well up (of emotions); to overflow (e.g. fighting spirit)
mumblingly; mutteringly; unintelligibly
to picture; to come into one's mind; to remember
substance; real form; main part; main unit; this machine; this appliance; object of worship (at a shrine, temple, etc.)
meeting; rendezvous; romantic encounter; date
to run out of; to be short of; to be out of stock; to be out of (e.g. breath); to lose (one's patience, concentration, etc.)
celebrity; personality; prominent figure
possessed of a strong sense of duty
to dig down; to dig into (a matter); to delve into; to probe into
prudent; thoughtful; discreet
to manage; to arrange; to talk over; to dispose of
proud; having a prominent nose
situation where alcohol is being served; (over) a drink