a short time ago; a while ago; for some time
slim; slender; lithe; smoothly; without resistance; without trouble
to be caught in; to be stuck in; to stop by; to drop in for a short visit; to get mixed up in (trouble); to get entangled in (a problem); to fall for (a trick)
to shorten the distance (between); to close the gap (e.g. on the leader); to get closer (e.g. to someone); to close in (on)
siege; encirclement; envelopment; surrounding; besiegement
hole; opening; pit; hollow; burrow; den; deficit
to walk; to move forward; to make progress
to be caught; to be arrested; to hold on to; to grasp; to find (e.g. proof); to get (e.g. a taxi)
very much; exceedingly; extremely
calmness; composure; coolness; serenity; presence of mind
to be hesitant; to feel timid
out of one's league; facing a too tough opponent; outclassed
of course; certainly; naturally
if it is the case that ...
to the best of one's meager ability; the little help one can be; though my help might not be worth much
assistance (in a fight); help; aid; helper; supporter
long, slender and well-proportioned; smooth, continuous (movement)
to often be the case; to occur frequently; to be common; to be popular
to be in a hurry; to be impatient; to be anxious (to do); to get a fright; to panic; to get flustered
criminal; lawbreaker; wrongdoer; offender
hey!; wait a minute!; whoa!; boohoo; waaaa
right; correct; proper; righteous; just
to poke one's nose into another's affairs; to have a hand in; to take a (deep) interest in; to poke one's head (into a room)
to return (something); to restore; to turn over; to turn upside down; to pay back; to retaliate; to respond (with)
straight; quickly; quietly; gently; to feel refreshed; to feel satisfied
to set up (a house, store, etc.); to build; to have at the ready (e.g. a gun); to hold in preparation (e.g. a camera); to adopt a posture; to assume a stance; to put on an air
stance with legs in an L-shape, with one leg bent in front and other extended behind (martial arts, traditional theater)
to spin; to make yarn; to spin (a tale); to assemble (e.g. words); to put together
dignitaries; very important persons; VIPs
to thrust (something) into (something); to cram; to plunge into; to charge into; to delve into (a matter); to go into depth; to press (someone) about
there being no use in arguing (about it)
nonchalant air; unruffled air
to ward off (e.g. an attack); to fend off (e.g. a question); to elude; to evade; to dodge; to turn aside (e.g. a joke)
handling (e.g. knife, reins); control; use; dealing with (e.g. customers); management; disposal (esp. sale of goods)
soft; tender; limp; subdued (colour or light) (color); gentle; meek
successive; consecutive; back-to-back; one after another