very hard; with utmost effort; as hard as one can; with all one's might; for dear life; eagerly
to swear; to vow; to take an oath; to pledge
safety; security; safely; without incident; good health; inaction
with a momentary flash of light
to shine; to glitter; to be bright
just barely; only just; at the very limit; at the last moment
probability; likelihood; chances
first time; first innings; initial attempt; first; initial
regular customer; regular patron; regular visitor; constant companion
several minutes; a few minutes
every ...; every other ...; at intervals of ...; with ... in between; ... apart
rather; sooner; preferably; on the contrary; if anything
to accompany; to follow; to keep up with
self-respect; prudence; not acting rashly; taking care of oneself; being careful with one's health
restlessly; nervously; uneasily; in a fidget
leaving (on, open, unfinished, etc.); (doing) continuously; constantly; keep ...-ing
publicity; advertisement; advertising; propaganda
amount sold; sales; proceeds; takings; turnover
right (to do something); authority; power
a little; some; somewhat; amount; quantity; number
to grow senile; to be childish with age; to be mentally slow; to be befuddled; to play stupid; to say something stupid (oft. on purpose; esp. as part of a comedic routine)
(TV) comedian; performer (esp. of a traditional art); entertainer; talented person; accomplished person
going to Song dynasty China
to wither (of flowers, dreams, etc.); to wilt; to droop; to shrivel; to fade (away); to sag
fool; idiot; dotage; senility; touched in the head (from); out of it (from)
to rise in esteem; to become popular; to rise in value (stocks)
to be dispirited; to be dejected; to be disheartened; to lose heart
date (with someone); (social) outing (for two); date night; date (day)
as before; as ever; as it was originally
at once; right away; promptly; quickly; right now; this instant
changing clothes; change of clothes
regrettable; unfortunate; disappointing; vexing
before very long; soon; someday; of the previously mentioned; of that number; among them
beyond this point; ahead; from now on; after this; in the future
battle; war; fight (against time, poverty, etc.); struggle (for freedom, survival, etc.); contest; competition
it's not over yet; you haven't seen anything yet; it's not over until the fat lady sings; it's too soon to tell; we're not out of the woods