positivism; progressive argument
withered reeds (esp. reeds that have withered in the winter)
reciprocal relationship; mutually beneficial relations; relationship with benefits to both parties
what the?; what's that?; what are you doing?; what's going on?
shaking (something) out; starting point; beginning; drawing (e.g. of a bill); issue; throw (of dice); infusion (remedy)
lacking skill; uninspiring; unexciting; dull; unrefined; boring (from being too plain)
agile, flexible (e.g. of corporate management); nimble; quick to respond
at the present time; as of now; at this time
purple vestment (traditionally awarded by the imperial household); high-ranking priest's purple robe
to get a salary (from); to receive a stipend (from); to be on the payroll (of)
to search for a way out of a potentially fatal situation; to seek for a way out of a desperate situation
to let someone have the credit for (a success); (lit.) to let someone else carry the flowers
reconnoitering party; scout (army)
cultural standard (of the people); moral standard; cultural level; standard of living
looking from the side; looking aside
not straightforward; not dealt with by ordinary means
tangle; entanglement; snarl; complication; difficulties; trouble
contest (of strength or skill)
owing a lot to somebody; being indebted; never forgetting someone who has done a favour
blindingly quick speed; (in) a flash; (in) the blink of an eye
shooting on horseback; equestrian archery
I don't care what follows; the future will take care of itself
how much; how many; however
without cause; without reason
discontented elements (e.g. of society); dissatisfied members; malcontents
slight wound; minor wound
usual; unchanging; eternal; same as always
state boundary; provincial boundary
offering an opinion (to a superior, the government, etc.); proposal; suggestion; advice
being caught in one's own trap; being hoisted by one's own petard
holding down (esp. in judo); holding technique; pinning down; immobilizing; bringing under control
to be extremely dangerous