at the critical moment; when the time comes; when it's most important; when necessary; in an emergency; when push comes to shove
to be too late; to be too slow
to choke up; to be speechless; to hold one's tongue
narrow-minded; small-minded; close-minded; intolerant
scene; setting; scene (in a movie, play); shot; state of the market
to draw in; to take in; to retract; to withdraw; to take back (e.g. words)
babysitting; babysitter; protecting; keeping; keeper
contrary to one's expectations
heavy heartbeat; thumping; pounding
the way it was; the way it used be; as of old; in former times
incomprehensible; mysterious; inexplicable; inscrutable; enigmatic; baffling
cross-examination; close questioning; demanding an explanation
to glare at each other; to confront each other
one's heart's desire; one's dearest wish
to come true (of a wish, prayer, etc.); to be realized; to suit (e.g. a purpose); to meet (wishes, ideals, etc.); to match (implies competition); to rival
it is I who should say so
informal social gathering; convivial meeting; get-together
stamp (postage); merchandise certificate
to let the tension out of one's shoulders; to relax; to not take oneself too seriously
left hand; left-hand side; left-hand direction; (on) the left
fishing; angling; change (for a purchase); clickbaiting; trolling; writing deliberately inflammatory posts online
Wii (Nintendo video games console)
rod; pole; neck (of a shamisen, etc.); shamisen; beam (i.e. the crossbar of a balance); single line (esp. as a flying formation for geese); penis
to darken one's face; to assume a gloomy look
to one's heart's content; to one's complete satisfaction; as much as one likes; heartily; thoroughly; without restraint
nunchaku (two linked fighting sticks); nunchak; nunchucks
island; one's territory (e.g. of a sex worker, organized crime gang); one's turf
to set (sun); to become dark
(animal) feed; fodder; pet food; bait; lure; enticement
non-player character; NPC
non-player character; non-playable character; NPC
to correct; to touch up; to smarten up; to put one's hand in (e.g. pocket)
repeatedly opening and closing (one's mouth); gasping; flapping (e.g. shoe sole); gaping open and shut; heartily (eating); devouring
exclamation mark; exclamation point