to gain in skill; to improve; to get better
exchange of blows; long rally
close contest; close match; close game; close combat
dance (esp. Western style); dancing
cushion; pillow; mattress
being at one's wit's end; being (quite) at a loss (what to do)
omitting crucial steps; cutting corners; skimping; tenuki; playing elsewhere on the board instead of responding locally
(bringing to a) perfect end; (rounding off with a) crowning achievement; successful conclusion; triumphant finish
to know much of the world
(emblem of) four comma-shaped figures arranged to form a circle; four-way fight; four-sided struggle
to be in sight (e.g. a resolution); to have a clear idea; to have bright prospects
small (of a grain or berry, etc.); small (in stature); limited (in abilities)
citizenship; civic rights; civil rights; widespread acceptance; social recognition; common use
lid resting directly on food; wooden drop-lid for simmering
interception (email); wiretap; bug
hurriedly; hurry-scurry; helter-skelter
to abide (by the rules); to keep to the regulations
watching while standing (e.g. a play)
to move up (e.g. date, rank, order); to be advanced; to be carried (of a number in addition)
to become seriously ill; to catch an incurable illness; to become a slave of a habit
imitating; copying; mimicking
to boil (something) until it is done
increase in digit (e.g. if we add 2 to the number 9)
to knock down; to knock off
intracerebral; inside the brain; (occurring) in the mind; mental (e.g. image); imaginary
to make up for; to compensate for; to indemnify; to recompense; to redeem (e.g. a fault); to atone for
villain; outlaw; assassin
to be shut; to close; to be locked; to tighten; to be tightened; to become sober
one's specialty; one's forte; specialty of a kabuki school
semifinalists; final four (in a tournament)
complete defeat; losing all of one's matches; finishing the tournament with no wins