to take the middle (between the two); to split the difference
notice; attention; observation
suddenly; abruptly; deliberately; slowly; gently
whispering; subdued; murmuring; dry and tasteless
to feel down; to feel sad; to be in a slump (business, economy, etc.); to be in an unfavourable condition; to fall into (e.g. a hole)
restless; fidgety; in a hurry
to be softened; to calm down
of all things (days, etc.)
criticism; judgement; judgment; comment
under one's eyes; below one's eyes
to fight to the bitter end
to inform; to notify; to know; to reign
surely; certainly; no doubt; indeed
isolation; being alone; being friendless
and yet; despite this; but even so; but even then; however; nevertheless
to speak sharply (e.g. during a heated discussion or argument)
to be opposite; to face each other
to smash up; to defeat crushingly
(apparently) that's what it's like, isn't it
ideal situation; ideal world; perfect world; utopia
firmly; solidly; sturdily; strongly; toughly
before one's own eyes; from under one's very nose; without doing anything; without resistance; helplessly; negligently
rave reviews; extremely high praise
not feeling like doing ...; having no mind to ...; being in no mood for ...; indifferent; half-hearted; dispirited
silent (as the grave); deadly silent; deathly quiet
to whirl; to eddy; to be all jumbled together (feelings, thoughts, etc.); to surge; to sweep
guilty (feeling, conscience, look, etc.); (feeling) uneasy
good-for-nothing; spineless; gutless; spiritless; feckless; pluckless
to draw back; to leave (the area)
to become quiet; to quiet down; to quieten down; to calm down; to die down; to subside
news; word; tidings; omen
to be tired of waiting; to wait impatiently
apt to (do); liable to; predominantly; mostly; ... reaps the rewards; ... takes the prize
hooting; jeering; heckling
celebrity; famous person; public figure; big name
full of confidence; brimming with (self-)confidence; having great faith in oneself
unfortunately; sorry, but ...
defeat; lost battle; losing a war
protection; safeguard; guardianship; preservation; conservation
(a) step ahead; (a) jump ahead
trick that may deceive a child; transparent ploy; mere child's play; kid stuff; puerile trick
wind; gas; fart; something worthless; something not worth considering
persuasiveness; powers of persuasion; cogency