preliminary inspection; having a look in advance; preparatory read-through (e.g. of lesson notes); siding (on a house); clapboard
important; significant; precious; valuable; careful
banter; raillery; ridicule; teasing; making fun of
stairs; stairway; staircase
to come near (to); to approach; to be on the verge of; to be about to reach (a stage, period, etc.); to overhang; to hang over
to leave (in someone's keeping); to put (in someone's care); to put (someone) in charge of; to leave (a matter) in someone's hands; to lean on; to put one's weight on
to look down on (someone); to treat with contempt; to treat disparagingly; to sneer at
look (in someone's eyes); expression (of the eyes); eyes
retreat; withdrawal; retirement
point (of a story, argument, etc.); key point; point; site; point (in scoring); point (in a loyalty program); points
at the critical moment; when the time comes; when it's most important; when necessary; in an emergency; when push comes to shove
suddenly; at once; considerably; very much; firmly; with an effort
accompanying; being accompanied by; going with
to loiter; to hang around; to wander around; to prowl; to roam
breaking off short (in one's speech); rendered speechless for a moment
to become serious; to take something seriously (e.g. a joke, teasing); to become irritated or angry (esp. at something trivial); to get worked up
uh-huh; mm-hmm; with a moan; with a groan
without; but if; otherwise; or else
end; close; finish; noh dance in plain clothes
handrail; railing; banister
to hit; to strike; to strike (noon, etc.); to sound (cymbals, etc.); to beat (rhythmically, e.g. pulse, waves, etc.); to move; to impress
how (beautiful, tasty, etc.); what a ...; nothing worth mentioning; nothing special; of what name
to hit a nerve; to go for the throat; to touch a sore spot
to anticipate; to expect; to place confidence in; to put trust in; to find promising; to see good prospects (in)
to make a fuss over; to pamper; to spoil; to indulge; to flatter (with attention)
to throw into; to toss into; to drive (a nail, etc.) into; to hammer in; to fire (a bullet) into; to launch (a missile) at
worthless thing; trivial thing
to come out; to fall out; to fade; to discolour; to wear a hole (e.g. clothes); to leave (e.g. a meeting); to be clear
stupid; foolish; idiotic; fool; idiot; blockhead
carefree; buoyant; lighthearted; ease
slowly and quietly; smoothly
subtle; delicate; difficult; complex; doubtful; questionable
stillness; rest; being stationary; standing still; coming to a standstill
amateur; layman; respectable woman (i.e. not a prostitute, hostess, geisha); (arch.) unlicensed prostitute
one's party piece; parlor trick; hidden talent
incredible; unbelievable; terrific; impressive
from the bottom of one's heart; heartily; sincerely
several steps; much (better, higher, etc.); several cuts (above)
to ascend; to go up; to climb
pish; pooh; I see; oh; indeed
to expect; to hope for; to look forward to; to resolve (to do); to decide upon; to prepare for