brush tip; first on a list; head; chief
or rather (say); or better (say); or perhaps I should say; or, how should I put it; I mean
deeply impressive; memorable; striking
flight from one's country; seeking asylum; defection; emigration (for political reasons); (going into) exile; becoming a (political) refugee
failed attempt (at a crime, suicide, etc.)
to distance oneself (from); to keep (something or someone) at a distance; to maintain a distance (from)
pleasant; delightful; enjoyable; joyful; cheerful; amusing
to feel blessed to be in one's position; to be thankful for one's good fortune
oh!; dear me; my goodness; well well; I say
in the course of one's duties
unsurpassable; peerless; having no equal; outclassing (others)
conversation (just) between you and me; confidential talk
top brass; upper echelon; higher-ups; top management; upper reaches; top of the pile
private; non-governmental; non-official; folk; popular
adhesion; conglutination; collusion; collusive relationship
that's a different matter; that's a different story
neighbourhood; neighborhood; vicinity
close investigation; careful examination; scrutiny
finally; at last; at length; barely; narrowly; hardly
to raise; to bring to (someone's attention); to appeal to (reason, emotions, etc.); to work on (one's emotions); to complain; to sue (a person)
shy; diffident; retiring; reserved
citizen; citizenry; city inhabitant; townspeople; bourgeoisie; middle class
to the best of my ability, poor though it be
to pierce through; to break through
appointing to a responsible post; making much of
to ask for permission (before doing something); to ask first
service; help; discount; discounted item; free service; freebie; service
laws and ordinances; acts (of parliament, congress, etc.)
violation; offense; offence; breach; transgression; infringement
shrewdly; smartly; calculatingly; astutely; cunningly
demonstrative of one's worth; worthy of one's reputation; living up to one's name; bolstering one's reputation; enhancing one's prestige; winning one honour
consumption tax (incl. sales tax, VAT, excise duty, etc.)
discount; reduction; rebate; tenths discounted; tenths reduced
direct control; direct supervision
that goes without saying but also ...; not only that but ...