prayer (for something); supplication
now (esp. in contrast to the past); now at last; at present; right now
annexation; merger; swallowing up
relocation of the capital; transfer of the capital
uncommon; rare; extraordinary; matchless
holding one's ground; defending local authority
the Six Kingdoms (of China's Warring States period: Qi, Chu, Yan, Han, Wei and Zhao); the six tree-derived incense varieties used in kōdō ceremonies
encroachment; erosion; corrosion
trampling down; overrunning; infringement; violation
without (doing); instead of; if (it) isn't done; if (one) doesn't do ...; if not ...; unless ...
king; queen; monarch; the Crown (as a focus of authority in the UK, etc.); the throne
to wager; to bet; to risk; to stake; to gamble
condition; situation; prospects
to become settled; to be fixed
Warring States period (of Japanese history, approx. 1467-1568 CE); Sengoku period; Warring States period (of Chinese history, 403-221 BCE); era of vicious competition
fall of the curtain; last scene; end of act
power of the state; national sovereignty; sovereign rights
spring and autumn; spring and fall; years; age; The Spring and Autumn Annals; The Chronicles of Lu
early (days); initial stage; initial
to explain; to advocate; to preach; to persuade
survival of the fittest; the law of the jungle; (lit.) the weak are meat the strong do eat
weeding out; elimination (e.g. of unneeded employees); culling; selection (e.g. natural selection)
to decrease (in size or number); to diminish; to abate
supremacy (over a nation); hegemony; domination; championship; victory
to be sufficient; to be enough; to be worth doing; to be worthy of; to do (the job); to serve
qualifications; requirements; capabilities
Qi (kingdom in China during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Period of the Warring States); Ch'i
swallow (bird of the Hirundinidae family); martin; barn swallow (Hirundo rustica); younger man involved with an older woman; boy toy
China (sometimes also used in ref. to Korea or other foreign countries)
to begin grandly; to start with a bang; to make a spectacular beginning; (lit.) to throw open the curtains
breaking (an agreement, promise); cancellation (of a contract)
life or death struggle; mortal combat; struggle to the death
low (level, value, price, etc.)
inner thoughts; real intention; at heart; deep down; inner center (centre)
beneficial; profitable; useful; helpful; instructive