to come to like; to become fond of; to fall in love
to be knotty (of a tree, etc.); to be gnarled; to be rough and bony (hands, fingers, etc.); to be gnarled; to be knobby
front stage; center stage (of politics, etc.)
being isolated and helpless; fighting (struggling) alone and unassisted
making (a new suit, dress, etc.); having (something) made; buying new; new tune; new melody; new composition
if it's going to be that way, then ...; if given the choice; if possible; if anything
to praise highly; to sing the praises of; to applaud; to acclaim; to admire
to clear up; to clear away; to refresh (e.g. spirits); to be cleared (e.g. of a suspicion); to be dispelled; to be banished
to crouch; to squat; to cower
taking no notice; ignoring; not even looking at
is something wrong?; what's wrong?; what's the matter?; slightest; mere; trivial
to steel oneself to; to brace oneself
middle stage; middle phase; middle game; midfield
inferiority (e.g. numerical); inferior position; disadvantage; unfavorable situation; unfavourable situation
frustrated (over a failure, humiliation or injustice); annoyed; chagrined; (bitterly) disappointed; bitter; vexed
capture (of enemy territory); taking (by storm); defeating (an opponent); attacking (a problem) strategically
two at a time; two by two; in twos
victory or defeat; match; contest; game
to break; to smash; to defeat; to destroy; to eliminate
by today; before the day is over
making light of; thinking little of; slighting; belittling; dismissing; contempt
day after day; day by day
to one's regret; regrettably; unfortunately; what can be done about ...; ... cannot be helped
one's first campaign; one's first battle
to pull up; to drag up; to increase; to raise (e.g. taxes); to withdraw; to leave; to promote (someone to a higher position)
retainer's stipend; official pay; salary
system; organization; organisation; imperial command; laws; regulation
some people; a few people; several people
to look down on; to treat with contempt; to treat disparagingly; to sneer at
standoffishly; primly; pungently (of a smell); acridly; long and pointed (e.g. of a nose); popping (of ears)
face; honour; meld; lineup (of players participating in a mahjong game); attendees (e.g. at a meeting); members
to laugh mockingly; to smile with contempt; to jeer; to sneer
trembling from fear; trembling all over
tiger (Panthera tigris); drunkard; drunk; sot
leather strap binding the plates of traditional Japanese armor (armour)
to put on airs; to act big; to throw one's weight about; to be overbearing; to be domineering; to be bossy
not the time for; not the place for; far from; anything but; ... is out of the question; ... isn't the word for it