setting the table; laying the table; setting up; getting one's ducks in a row; running interference
immediately; instantly; with nary a pause; without a moment's delay
earth; ground; place; territory; bottom (of a package, book, etc.); earth (one of the five elements)
blink (of eyes); wink; twinkling (of stars); flicker (of light); blink (of light)
to burst open; to pop; to split
to blow off; to be blown off
to eat; to drink; to receive (e.g. a blow); to be on the receiving end (of something undesirable); to undergo (trouble)
preemptive strike; preemptive attack; first strike
fighting back; returning fire; counter-attack; responding to an attack; accepting a challenge
other side; other party; other end (e.g. of phone connection); opposition
every person; every mouth; every entrance
promptly; immediately; quickly; indifferently
to finish; to get it over with; to settle; to pay back; to get along (without something); to make do with (without)
disadvantage; handicap; unfavorable position
to make an incessant onslaught; to attack incessantly
sudden; unexpected; unpredictable; unforeseen
liver; innards; courage; spirit; crux; essential point
rough (estimate, manner, etc.); crude; broad; loose; careless (work)
exceptional; unusual; special; especially; exceptionally; unusually
it does not mean that ...; I don't mean that ...; it is not the case that...
because; the reason is; if you want to know why
to be a matter of life or death
the whole year; all the year
preparedness; readiness; mental attitude; frame of mind
always conducting oneself as though one were on a battlefield; being combat ready at all times (of a person)
not a chance; you wish!; that's not going to happen; that won't work
to compare; to make a comparison; to compete; to vie
presumptuous; impertinent; impudent; ridiculous; laughable; absurd
tranquil; calm; restful; peaceful; quiet
to lead (a) life (usu. preceded by the type of life)
fighting scene; scene of carnage (bloodshed); location of the fight between the Asuras and Shakra; difficulties (in a love relationship); crunch time (esp. for cartoonists)
quarrel; argument; row; (verbal) dispute
skirmish; brush (with the enemy); small fight with a military enemy; squabble; quarrel; brief argument
just this side of; one step short of; on the brink
to assault with a sword; to stab at; to slash at
electric shock; blitz; lightning attack; sudden and without warning; shocking
there; that situation; that occasion; the spot (i.e. "on the spot"); immediately; then and there
to fall flat; to fall face down
self-condemnation; self-reproach; self-accusation
to look at again; to re-examine (policy, estimate, plan, etc.); to review; to get a better opinion of; to see in a more positive light; to improve
to step forward; to volunteer
control; bringing under control; settling (a matter); putting in order