jumping straight to the business, ...; I know this is abrupt, but ...; let's skip the pleasantries; getting to the point
business; thing to be done; something that should be performed; information that should be conveyed
to ask; to inquire; to implore (a god for an oracle); to seek direction (from your superior); to visit; to speak to (a large crowd at a theatre, etc.)
to urge; to encourage; to press; to stimulate (e.g. growth); to hasten (e.g. development); to quicken
first (of all); firstly; probably; most likely; more or less (satisfactory); on the whole
warehouse; storehouse; cellar; magazine; granary; godown
any; anything; whatever; I am told; I hear; I understand
end; finish; bounds; limits; delivery date (of a futures contract); finale (of a noh song); end of an act (in jōruri or kabuki)
(one's) inner voice; voice of one's heart; what one really thinks
to leak out; to escape; to find expression; to give vent; to leak out; to be divulged
main question; real issue at hand
generally; in the main; (more or less) everything; all parts; ordinary; usual
closing one's eyes; passing away; dying peacefully
how; in what way; why; for what reason; cannot possibly; no way
a short while ago; a moment ago; just now; some time ago
to perform; to do; to conduct oneself; to carry out
with a start; in surprise; suddenly (realize, remember, etc.); all of a sudden; puffing (air); with a puff
fortunate person; lucky fellow; lucky dog
there is no way that ...; easy; simple
to shine; to glitter; to be bright
eager; earnest; strenuous; fervent; assiduous; with utmost effort
to continue; to keep up; to keep on
inhabitant; resident; citizen; population
to; for; from the standpoint of; as far as ... is concerned
present condition; existing state; status quo; current state
nonexistent; nil; none; nothing (at all); bugger-all
state; condition; situation; appearance; circumstances
as it is; as one likes; because; condition; state
quick; fast; rapid; swift; prompt; streamlined
correspondence (to); equivalence; suitability; coordination; dealing with; coping with
what kind of; what sort of; what; no matter what (kind of); whatever; any
offense; offence; method of attack
to draw near; to draw closer; to press (e.g. for an answer); to hound
sleeve; wing (of a stage, desk, gate, etc.)
to press a question; to cross-examine
anyone; anybody; everyone; everybody; whoever
one; for one thing; only; (not) even; just (e.g. "just try it"); some kind of; one type of
various; all sorts of; variety of; (arch.) various colors (colours)