promotion; raising of status
dilution; watering down; inflation (of budget, claim, etc.); padding
custom; convention; common practice; (arch.) becoming accustomed (to)
intellectual; educated person; intelligentsia
taxpayers' (precious) money; hard-earned tax money; heavy tax; conscription; compulsory military service
trend of the times; way things are going
activity (esp. energetic); great efforts; conspicuous service; to flourish; to participate actively; to play an active role
acceleration; speeding up
repayment; reimbursement; refund; redemption
one's face turning pale (ashen); the color being drained from one's face
errand; mission; messenger; bearer; familiar spirit; use
suicide by drowning; drowning oneself; entering the water; hitting the water
questioning; interrogation; examination (of a witness)
gradually (progressing); steadily; slowly; seeping out (sweat, tears, etc.)
multiple personality; split personality
so; like that; that's right; indeed; let me see...
defense; defence; safeguard; protection
extreme logic; extreme argument; unreserved argument
wide sense (e.g. of a word); broad sense
explanation; interpretation
a little difficult; slightly hard; not feasible; not possible
divergent opinions abound; opinion is divided; there are many rumors afloat
I'm afraid to say; I'm sorry to say; unfortunately
study; research; investigation
attractive; good-looking; stylish; cool; smooth; neat
heredity; (genetic) inheritance
to be(come) intertwined; to be entangled
abuse; ill-treatment; maltreatment; mistreatment; cruelty
seven; seven years of age; four o'clock (old time system)
videotape recorder; VTR; video recording; pre-recorded video shown during a television programme
cheap; rash; thoughtless; careless
volume retailer; mass marketer; emporium