one's last resort; trump card; treasured family sword
key (to understanding); point (e.g. of an argument)
assistance; backing; reinforcements
to fold in; to bear deep in mind; to follow up
to take command; to give direction
otherwise; or else; if not
fervour; fervor; vigour; vigor; ardour; ardor
big frame; large figure; huge body
unpleasant; disagreeable; displeasing; uncomfortable; unhappy
to make sure of; to ascertain; to confirm; to grasp
to begin; to set about; to start
to bend (a piece of wood, etc.); to bow
jaw; chin; barb (of a fishhook)
battlefield; battleground
extraordinary; preposterous; outrageous; absurd
night air; stillness of night; cool evening
oscillation; vibration; swing (e.g. of a pendulum)
mysterious power of words to alter reality
charge; rush; dash; assault; attack
one army; whole army; first string players; the cool kids; the popular kids
compelling force; legal force
paralysis; palsy; numbness; stupor
ultramarine colour (color)
open; spacious; extensive
old friend; old acquaintance
to make way for; to make room for; to get out of the way; to pave the way for; to open up opportunity
standing upright; standing bolt upright; rearing
knothole; peep-hole; bad eyes
life or death struggle; mortal combat; struggle to the death
(verbal) abuse; denunciation; disparagement; vilification; scathing criticism
fierce battle; hard-fought battle; hot contest; severe fight
to go too far; to go to excess; to carry too far
promptly; quickly; without delay; before others; first
horse's legs; stage actor who plays the role of a horse's legs
to stay calm; to keep cool
reins; bridle; control; the reins (on)
to catch; to stop the blow; to react to; to take (advice, etc.); to accept
to prove successful; to take hold; to amount to something
wish; desire; hope; prospect; expectation; (one's) hopes
intelligent; wise; sagacious; smart-alecky; cheeky
to pluck off (esp. by twisting); to pick; to break off; to wrest (away from); to wrench free; to snatch (away)
second; number two; runner-up