to line up; to stand in a line; to rival; to match; to equal
confirmation; verification; validation; review; check; affirmation
at present; currently; so far; for now; for the time being
independently; individually; separately; alone; singlehanded; unassisted
to move; to stir; to operate; to run; to make a move; to take action; to be touched
certain; sure; doubtless; I have no doubt; You can depend on it; It's a safe bet
where; which; anyway; anyhow; sooner or later; eventually
it seems; I think; I guess; right?; don't you agree?
correspondence; news; letter; tidings
as (e.g. "do as one is told", "as we age we gain wisdom"); wherever (e.g. "wherever my fancy took me")
subtle; delicate; difficult; complex; doubtful; questionable
something; something or other; so-and-so; somehow; anyhow; one way or another
to turn; to rotate; to pass around; to send around; to move (someone or something to where its needed); to send; to turn (to a new use)
(just) making sure; just to be sure; just in case; for caution's sake
mark; symbol; to mark; to put a mark on; trademark; paying attention to; focusing on
the usual; as it always is; said; that (previously-mentioned person or object); (arch.) in the usual way
to join hands together; to join forces; to collaborate
by all rights; properly speaking; legally speaking
securing; obtaining; ensuring; belay; belaying
trouble; difficulties; dispute; confusion; disorder; mess
direct control; direct supervision
government service; the bureaucracy
actual spot; scene (of a crime, accident, etc.); (on) site; (on) the ground; filming location; (movie) set
gait; walk; stride; trace (e.g. of route taken by hunted criminal); track; trail
monthly publication; monthly issue
young imperial prince; child of the imperial family; shrine dedicated to a child of the god of the main shrine; newly built shrine (to which a divided tutelary deity has just been transferred)
top brass; upper echelon; higher-ups; top management; upper reaches; top of the pile
dark side (of nature, town, etc.)
plot; intrigue; scheme; conspiracy; agreement between two or more people to commit an unlawful act
to approach; to draw near; to be imminent; to press (someone for something); to urge; to compel
to arrive at (after a struggle); to finally reach; to find one's way to; to finally hit on (e.g. an idea)
it is no exaggeration to say; it is not too much to say
same; similar; (just) like; equal
no matter what it takes; by any means necessary; at all costs; by hook or by crook
to detain; to take into custody
target; object (of worship, study, etc.); subject (of taxation, etc.)
to compare; to make a comparison; to compete; to vie