subtle seasoning that brings out the flavor; secret ingredient
period of time (usu. a period of approx. two hours corresponding to one of the signs of the Chinese zodiac); carving; engraving; victory; strictness; cruelty
unexpectedly; surprisingly; unexpected; unanticipated; unforeseen
laboratory testing bench; laboratory table; subject of an experiment; (human) guinea pig
charge; duty; person in charge; connection; linking
to keep a watchful eye on
what is it (that); the meaning of something; what something is about
to mark the end; to spell the end
to turn; to revolve; to visit several places; to function well; to pass a certain time
to run swiftly; to dash; to rush; to race
occupational ability; function; role
setting the table; laying the table; setting up; getting one's ducks in a row; running interference
to be absorbed in thought; to muse; to muse about; to think things through
to be late; to be unpunctual
official certification; official approval; certification examination; licensing examination; hypothesis testing
exercises; practice problem
individual; distinctive; unique; characteristic; personal; idiosyncratic
to be of use as a reference; to be helpful
to be based on; to take into account; to build upon; to have one's feet firmly planted on; to plant oneself on
if one is unlucky; if one is careless; if things don't go well
of great promise; with a promising future
person with a lot of experience; old hand; veteran (in a particular field)
probity check; background investigation
mixture; jumble; cord made by entwining threads of various colours
to not match well (e.g. at the seams); to not mesh properly (of gears); to differ (e.g. of opinions); to clash; to be in conflict (e.g. with the facts)
broken; intermittent; disconnected
take (e.g. in film-making)
unproductive; counterproductive
something or other; anything
established practice; custom
indicates concession or compromise; indicates permission
second marriage; remarriage
hung up; hoist; denounced; severely criticised; kangaroo court