standing by; awaiting an opportunity; being on alert
effect; effectiveness; efficacy; effects (e.g. sound effects, visual effects, special effects)
thin; pale; light; watery; thin; weak (taste, etc.); little (affection, etc.) not much (of a presence)
some people; a few people; several people
to borrow; to have a loan; to rent; to hire
a little; paltry; piddling; stud; chad
ambush; troops in ambush; unexpected opposition; unexpected obstacle
hailing each other; acting in concert; responding (to); agreement; concord
attack on both sides; pincer movement; double envelopment
holding a castle (during a siege); holing up; confinement (to one's home); staying at home; staying indoors
to gain time; to play for time; to buy time
basic policy; fundamental policy; fundamental plan of action
gate; branch of learning based on the teachings of a single master; division; phylum; counter for cannons
quick; swift; nimble; quick (understanding, judgement, etc.); alert; prompt
to take refuge in; to succeed in running away
decisive moment; turning point; critical moment; win-or-bust situation
to raise (hoist) a flag; to raise an army; to start a new business
to earn (income); to make (money); to score (points, victory); to gain (time); to work hard (at one's job); to labor
that's good; that's nice; like (on social media); is that clear?; OK?
to be lucky; to be in luck; to be attached; to have; to be included
knowing; (an) acquaintance
to put to bed; to lay down lengthwise; to put a thing on its side; to set something aside unused; to let lie idle; to ferment
to be helpful; to be useful
unthinkable; unimaginable; terrible; awful; (arch.) very
largish; biggish; a little bit larger
in accordance with; according to; as X, then Y (e.g. as we age we gain wisdom, as wine matures it becomes more valuable, etc.)
dregs; sediment; lees (esp. sake); leftovers; by-product; worthless item; junk
being in charge (of an area of responsibility); being responsible (for a work role, etc.)
not sleeping a wink; wide awake all night; without moving
enemy's strength or fighting power
to act violently; to rage; to struggle; to be riotous
invitation; introduction; temptation
environment; circumstance
to wound; to injure; to hurt someone's feelings (pride, etc.); to damage; to chip