to puzzle over; to think deeply about; to rack one's brains over (wrack)
(it won't be possible) on such short notice
it is no exaggeration to say; it is not too much to say
average; medium; mid-grade (item); regular grade; same level as; equal to
admonition; remonstrance; expostulation
wrong impression; subjective impression; assumption; prejudice
difficult problem; challenge
discovery (of a plot, misdeed, etc.); detection; exposure; disclosure
expectation; assume will happen; forecast
using freely; making full use of; having a good command of; working (someone) hard; driving (someone) on
one's hand (when playing cards); name tag; nameplate; wallet-sized (photo)
to search about for; to hunt around for; to look high and low for; to look everywhere for
stupid plan; inane way of doing something; (one's own) plan or project
reinforcement (e.g. of troops)
to challenge (esp. in a lawsuit); to take on an opponent (in negotiations, contest, etc.)
helplessly; easily; without resistance; without regret
to put oneself in (situation, environment, etc.); to surround oneself with
all over the island; throughout the island; on the island
one by one; thoroughly; exhaustively; with a fine-tooth comb
to bind; to fasten; to tie up
scabbard; sheath; cap (on pen, brush, etc.); case; margin (between two prices); spread
dress; outfit; equipment; makeup; adornment; guise
to create (an atmosphere, feeling, etc.); to produce; to engender
antique-looking; looking hoary with patina
to hide; to conceal oneself
swordsman; swordswoman; fencer
to be matched against (in a sports contest)
to apply for; to make an application; to propose (marriage); to offer (mediation); to make an overture (of peace); to challenge
clearing out people (from room, etc.); ordering people to leave
levelling of ground (for construction); preparation of soil (for planting)
valley; ravine; glen; gorge
ambush; troops in ambush; unexpected opposition; unexpected obstacle
fair and square; open and aboveboard
to slay; to cut down (a foe)
hard-to-do; difficult; tough; awkward; tricky
smelling of mud or earth; unrefined; uncouth
not only ... but (also); as well as ...
shameless; shameless person
trembling with excitement
vacant space; aperture; gap; opening
to understand; to comprehend
to sense; to suspect; to get an inkling (of something); to get wind of; to smell (e.g. danger); to become aware of (e.g. a plot)