battlefield; battleground
variables; uncertain elements; uncertainties; imponderables
essential part; indispensable part; unavoidable part; front and back matter (of a book, magazine, etc.)
to see without obstruction; to see through; to forecast; to predict; to anticipate
to take out (e.g. garbage); to put out (e.g. dishes on table); to serve (e.g. meal); to get out (e.g. food from cupboard); to submit (e.g. ideas, opinions); to provide for
gaining total control (of people or counties); suppression; oppression; control; mastery; ascendancy
the following week; the next week
ownership; dominion; ownership rights; proprietorship; property rights
dispute; strife; quarrel; dissension; conflict; rivalry
fierce battle; hard-fought battle; hot contest; severe fight
to pluck off (esp. by twisting); to pick; to break off; to wrest (away from); to wrench free; to snatch (away)
drawn-out (protracted) war or contest
to invest in; to sink money into; to put into; to lay out (funds); to inject; to impregnate
to begin to run; to start running; to break into a run
achievements; actual results; accomplishments; past results; track record
not feeling like doing ...; having no mind to ...; being in no mood for ...; indifferent; half-hearted; dispirited
the rest; the others; in addition (to that); besides that; and so forth; and the like
bewilderment; perplexity; embarrassment; discomfiture; bafflement
(social) position; status
thank you for your hard work; good work; see you; goodbye; goodnight
celebrated personage; big-wig; person in a high position
conscious; deliberate; intentional
you must be kidding; hey, come on!; surely not!
easy victory; walkover; easy peasy; child's play; cakewalk
to hang; to suspend; to lower; to reduce; to demote; to move back
to accept (e.g. an explanation); to be satisfied (with); to assent (to)
update (esp. to software)
to get angry; to take offense; to take offence; to be furious
fighting (against); taking on (an opponent); facing; confronting; competing (with); battle
head-on fight; direct confrontation; head-to-head contest
serious; earnest; honest; real; legit
evil; wickedness; (role of) the villain (in theatre, etc.); the bad guy
self-proclaimed; self-professed; professing oneself to be; calling oneself; first person
self-satisfied look; triumphant look; smug face; shit-eating grin