stealing a march on; getting a head start; secretly acting before others; solo raid on an enemy's camp (for glory)
words of thanks; words of gratitude; acknowledgements; apology
freely; generously; liberally; ungrudgingly; unsparingly
professor; teaching; instruction
tolerant; big; flexible; big-hearted; accepting; open-minded
day by day; every day; by the day
to return a favor (favour); to repay
doubtful; questionable; uncertain; disputable; suspicious
self-deprecation; self-derision; self-mockery; laughing at oneself
the same as always; day after day
special training; intensive training; crash course
study; research; investigation
to get torn; to tear; to rip; to be broken off (of negotiations, etc.); to break down; to collapse
trace; tracks; site; remains; scar
clothing; dressing; binding (of a book)
(common) soldier; rank and file; army; troops; warfare; strategy
hard worker; hardworking person
thick; deep; kind; cordial; abundant
hot blood; warm blood; zeal; fervor; fervour
unable to stomach; sticking in one's throat; displeased with
craftsman; skilled artisan
family business; family trade; one's occupation; one's trade
to gain fame; to make one's name
worth; merit; value; good point; redeeming feature; saving grace
unofficial offer (esp. job offer); tentative decision
pastime; hobby; favorite amusement; dissipation; debauchery; loose living
charisma (i.e. attractiveness, charm); charisma (i.e. divinely conferred power or talent); charism; charismatic person; someone famous (usu. for their talent); celebrity
to be furnished with; to be provided with; to be possessed of; to be endowed with; to be among; to be one of
plural; multiple; several
management; administration; operation
elder; senior; senior monk; dean; presbyter
decorations; offerings; mere window dressing
unfairness; injustice; partiality
condition; state (of health); appearance
unbearable; intolerable; insufferable
steady; sound; reliable; solid
reason for living; something one lives for; purpose in life; raison d'être