before the gate; in front of the gate
when it comes to; concerning (an area of expertise)
torch (made of pine, bamboo, reed, etc.); flambeau; torchlight
light; well-lit; bright (of a colour); brightly-coloured; cheerful; bright; encouraging (for the future of a project, etc.)
arms; weapons (of war); armor; armour
expedition; (military) campaign; tour (by a sports team, performer, etc.); visit
destination; whereabouts; future; prospects
tight-lipped; able to keep a secret
close (e.g. in terms of relationship); intimate
regret; chagrin; mortification; freedom from obstructive thoughts
fast; quick; early (in the day, etc.); premature; (too) soon; not yet
to hasten to join; to hurry to visit
to replace; to exchange; to interchange; to substitute
to entrust (someone) with; to leave (a matter) with someone; to have someone deliver (a message, parcel, etc.); to send (through someone); to use (something) to express (one's feelings, opinion, etc.); to express in the form of (something)
still; much more; (not) yet; still a long way to go; still a long way off; not there yet
instability; insecurity; crankiness
to leave (to someone, esp. after one's death); to bequeath
supervision; control; superintendence; director; superintendent; supervisor
old-timer; veteran; senior; old stump; old roots
much less; to say nothing of
bad reputation; ill repute; bad name; (arch.) evil deed; (arch.) wrongdoing; (arch.) wrongdoer
accident; emergency; calamity
to have authority over; to exercise one's authority (over); to glare; to scowl at; to glower at
rescue; extricate; reclaim; deliverance
duty; function; office; mission; task
new face; newcomer; rookie; modern humans (from Cro-Magnon man onwards)
sphere; circle; range; category
promptly; quickly; without delay; before others; first
breaking one's ties (with); breaking off (from); pulling out (of)
negligence; carelessness; inattention; unpreparedness
heaven's punishment; divine punishment; well-deserved punishment; just punishment
(many) mountains; very much (wanting to do something one cannot); greatly; so many; a lot of
maximum preference; maximum priority; priority handling
adapting oneself to the requirements of the moment; playing by ear; ad hoc approach