paper patch; paper backing; poster; sticker; label
attending a government office; going to work (for a government official)
lone criminal; sole perpetrator; crime carried out by one person
to bail out (water); to scoop out
(apparently) that's what it's like, isn't it
compulsory; obligatory; mandatory
worldly wisdom; gumption; stingy person
to turn against; to become an enemy
noise (usu. unpleasant); interference (e.g. radio); static; gossip; irresponsible criticism
to hang over; to shroud; to enshroud; to envelop; to screen
roots of grass; (fig.) places hidden from sight; grassroots (e.g. of a political party); rank and file
perseverance; determination; tenacity; energy
to bring into the open; to reveal; to uncover (e.g. evidence); to bring to light
with an interesting history (story); with a shady history; with circumstances that are difficult to explain
thick; viscous; muddy; dirty (with oil, grease, etc.); to be in an ugly state (of emotions, relations, etc.); to be murky
lowborn; humble; vulgar; coarse; shabby; greedy
to soften; to moderate; to relieve
snapping (e.g. book shut); clapping; crackling; pachinko
relation; relative; kind; cordial
trivial; not amounting to much; not a big deal
cunning; crafty; wily; sly
experienced; veteran; skilled; expert
to give one's life (e.g. in battle); to devote one's life (e.g. to a cause)
to settle peacefully; to work out peacefully; to come to an amicable solution; to become reconciled
critical moment; do-or-die situation
with ... as a start; taking advantage of; inspired by
engaging in (work); pursuing (e.g. studies); following (a profession); being involved in
(bearing a) close resemblance; vivid reminder (e.g. of the past); dim; faint; vague
development; exploitation
research division; research club (e.g. at school, university)
one's possessions; ownership
obstacle; hindrance; impediment; difficulty