to gain time; to play for time; to buy time
to raise an objection; to voice an opinion different from those of others
to board; to embark on; to get into (a car); to march into; to enter
to tidy up; to put in order; to settle (problem); to clear (dispute); to finish; to bring something to an end
to keep someone from doing; to stop; to prevent; to check; to hinder; to obstruct
bitter smile; wry smile; strained laugh; sarcastic laugh
convenience; handiness; usefulness
intention; wish; purpose; mind (to do)
essential; important; crucial; vital; main
by the way; incidentally; sometimes; occasionally; precisely (at that time); exactly
to flip-flop; to do an about-face; (lit.) to flip over one's hand; to do something easy
to be in danger of; to be liable to
confidence; trust; faith; credit (finance)
to attempt; to test; to try out
just (e.g. "just wait here"); come now; tolerably; passably; well...; I think...
to give up on; to turn one's back (on); to abandon; to forsake; to dump (e.g. romantic partner)
there's no (other) way; cannot be helped; unavoidable; it's no use (doing); pointless; hopeless (person)
to cut into (a conversation); to interject
to hold back (e.g. emotions); to rein in (e.g. a horse, unruly people); to get the better of; to control; to command
(common) soldier; rank and file; army; troops; warfare; strategy
medium; average; moderation; middle school; China; volume two (of three); during (a certain time when one did or is doing something)
to make light of; to ignore; to slight
provocative; incendiary; inflammatory; suggestive; lascivious; risqué
plain; frank; candid; open; direct; straightforward
to be sullen; to be offended; to be huffy; to be stuffy; to be stifling; to be muggy
recently; lately; these days; nearest; closest
selfish; egoist; (arch.) self-indulgent; (arch.) wilful; (arch.) willful
frank; candid; straightforward; openhearted; direct; outspoken
number one; first; best; most; game; round
secret; private; surreptitious
while it may be true that; just because; nevertheless; not necessarily
trouble; troubles; worry; distress; sorrows; anguish
to be delighted; to be glad; to congratulate; to gratefully accept
to raise; to rear; to train; to teach; to promote the growth of; to nurture
whatever the case; under any circumstances
slim; slender; lithe; smoothly; without resistance; without trouble
goodbye; so long; saying goodbye to (e.g. life as a bachelor); putting an end to; farewell (performance, party, etc.); final
coincident with; while; simultaneously