foothold; footing; toehold; stepping stone
cleaning up somebody else's mess; carrying the can; ass-wiping; arse-wiping
readiness to die; (in the) face of death
many times over; often; repeatedly; time after time
grumbling; complaining; muttering; crumpling (e.g. paper)
therefore; for that reason; so; because of that
to try to unsettle someone; to throw off balance
careful; thorough; meticulous; scrupulous
untouched; unused; intact
opening (a door, window, etc.); leaving open; opening up (e.g. to the public); allowing (public) access
breaking off; snapping off; suddenly stopping
grounds; foundation; authority; support; prop; something upon which to rely
confrontation; to face; to confront; to encounter
to lead into; to draw into
to beg; to request; to beseech; to implore; to entreat
here and there; little by little; sporadically; dots; spots
to view (cherry) blossoms; to look at flowers
even though things may appear this way
huge sum (esp. of money); enormous sum; massive amount
interference in the domestic affairs of another country
compensation; reparations; indemnity; damages
to challenge (esp. in a lawsuit); to take on an opponent (in negotiations, contest, etc.)
immediately; instantly; with nary a pause; without a moment's delay
to be to the point; to be pertinent
certain; definite; clear; credible
to confute; to argue down; to persuade; to convince; to prevail on
eager; earnest; strenuous; fervent; assiduous; with utmost effort
soon; in a moment; nearby; close; direct; spot transaction
habitat isolation; compartmentalization; segregation; isolation
various countries; various regions; various provinces
poor thing!; pour soul!; what a pity!
not straightforward; not dealt with by ordinary means
because; the reason is; if you want to know why
title of honour; title of honor
in person; personally; (do) oneself
to twist; to turn; to writhe (e.g. in pain); to twist around; to turn in one's seat