because ...; for ...; the reason being ...; as for ...; when it comes to ...; regarding ...
prior; beforehand; in advance; before the fact; ex ante
to ask for; to apply for; to make an application for; to file a request for; to submit (e.g. one's resignation)
perfect; complete; thorough; leaving nothing to be desired; more than satisfactory
incomprehensible; mysterious; inexplicable; inscrutable; enigmatic; baffling
situation; (present) state of affairs; circumstances
total; complete; all-out; general; extensive; full-scale
to be at wits' end; to be greatly perplexed; to be troubled
having a headache; racking one's brains; troubling over something
most; highest; maximum; best; wonderful; finest
to make (the best) use of; to put to good use; to let live; to keep alive; to revive; to resuscitate
should; must; -able; probably; likely
how; in what way; how (much); to what extent; however (much); no matter how
to take in; to bring in; to capture (e.g. image); to import; to win over; to please
victory or defeat; match; contest; game
laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process; digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
sweet-smelling; fragrant; aromatic; good (reputation, condition, results, etc.); favorable
so far; up to now; hitherto; that's enough (for today); it ends here
considerably; not a little; in no small numbers
thereabouts; vicinity; that area; that situation; those circumstances
assembly hall; meeting place; venue; grounds
early; a little earlier than usual; a little faster than usual; slightly quicker
entrance; admission; entering
those present; attendance
to penetrate; to sink in; to devote oneself (to); to do intently and exclusively; to do throughout (e.g. the night)
whole; entirety; whatever (is the matter)
opening (the doors to an event, etc.); inauguration
toad (esp. the Japanese toad, Bufo japonicus)
in that way; like that; that way
friend; ally; supporter; taking sides with; supporting; standing by
information; news; intelligence; information; data contained in characters, signals, code, etc.
to think out; to devise; to invent; to begin to think; to come up with a plan
suspicion will raise bogies; once you suspect something, everything else will look suspicious; jumping at shadows
caller; visitor; company; guest
friendly chat; pleasant chat; lighthearted talk; friendly conversation
low-life; sleazebag; boor; person of humble rank; humble person; peasant
under (guidance, supervision, rules, the law, etc.); under (a flag, the sun, etc.); beneath; with (e.g. one blow); on (the promise, condition, assumption, etc. that ...); (somebody's) side
witnessing; observing; sighting
doubtful; questionable; uncertain; disputable; suspicious
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)