the trouble is that ...; the problem is that ...; unfortunately; annoyingly
control of the air; air supremacy
staring-out (down) game; game in which two children looking at each other try to make the opponents laugh first; constant looking at something (e.g. the computer screen, the clock, etc.)
sputtering; smoldering; repeated thrusting into something (sword, needle, etc.); pricking repeatedly
round shape; circle; circular form
the most one can do; the best one can do; the best one can expect
rivalry (between two equally strong sides); struggle for supremacy; competing (with); vying (with); contending (with); being an equal match (for)
continuation; persisting; lasting; sustaining; enduring
protocol (in communications); protocol (diplomatic document); protocol (system of rules); protocol (of a scientific experiment or course of medical treatment)
to pull from both ends; to pull from both sides; to play tug of war
however; having said that; but
suspicious behavior; acting suspiciously
gazing steadily at; observing (a person) closely; maintain a watch over
wise; sagacious; intelligent; sensible
proxy; agent; substitute; deputy; alternate; representative
pipsqueak; little runt; midget; dwarf
faithful; devoted; loyal; honest; true
hostility; antagonism; opposition
one-armed shoulder throw (judo or sumo)
defense; defence; protection
kemari; type of football played by courtiers in ancient Japan
court noble; nobility; Imperial Court
putting into operation; invocation
meandering; snaking; zigzagging
assorted vegetables for sukiyaki (esp. green onion)
to cut off; to cut up; to tear to pieces
indictment; prosecution; complaint
human realm; world of humans; terrestrial world
to mask; to cover; to cloak; to hide; to conceal
guilty verdict; guilty as charged
fort; stronghold; fortification
good; OK; all right; fine; very well; will do
protection; defense; providence; amulet; charm
only recently; just of late
to follow; to accompany; to cleave to; to join up with; to obey implicitly; to flatter
it's different when ... but; it's not so bad when ... but
unsuitable; not matching; out of character