a long time (since the last time); first in a long time
if anything; if pushed I'd say; if I had to say
palpitation (of the heart); pounding; throbbing; thumping
using freely; making full use of; having a good command of; working (someone) hard; driving (someone) on
charm; incantation; spell; curse
hearer; listener; audience; interviewer; questioner
vegetables or fish boiled in soy sauce
seasoning; flavoring; flavouring; condiment
local specialty; local special dish
spare time; free time; leisure time
bad (taste); unpalatable; poor; unskillful; ugly; unattractive
to sprinkle over (e.g. salt, pepper, etc. on food)
transport; transportation
to contract; to undertake; to take over; to take responsibility for
caravan; group of people touring to sell, investigate, etc.
on and after; as from; hereafter; thereafter; since
day and night; around the clock; always; constantly
to exercise one's talent; to display one's ability
final; eventual; ultimate
seasoning; flavour; flavor
southern country; southern provinces; southern lands
at leisure; in a relaxed manner; in a carefree manner; quietly; peacefully
party; group; troop; one act; one action; one deed
lineage; pedigree; family line; birth
correspondence; exchange of letters
to take aim (at); to set one's sights (on); to zero in (on)
from out of nowhere; from who knows where
to spring at; to leap upon; to swoop down on; to throw oneself upon (e.g. an enemy)
to snatch (and run); to carry off; to swipe; to scoop up (and remove; sand, earth, etc.)
these days; nowadays; now; at present; recently; lately
to encamp; to take up positions
any; anything; whatever; I am told; I hear; I understand
to be frank with you; to tell you the truth; I'm going to lay my cards on the table
small part (e.g. in a film); bit part; extra
to be on the verge; to be on the brink; to get close
one's bosom friend; kindred-spirit
essential part; indispensable part; unavoidable part; front and back matter (of a book, magazine, etc.)