losing by being overmatched; being defeated by a stronger opponent; losing by misusing one's powers; defeat as a result of trying too hard
to steal; to rob; to deceive; to trick; to graze (in passing); to skim; to appear and quickly disappear (a thought, a smile, etc.)
spirit; soul; drive; vigor; vigour
terrible; dreadful; amazing (e.g. of strength); great (e.g. of skills); to a great extent; vast (in numbers)
mincing; chopping finely; short and repeated (movements) (e.g. trembling, stepping quickly); gradual; bit by bit
row of houses; every house; each house; all; totally
or something; for instance ... (though there are other suitable options); ... or ...; as soon as; right after; while still
head (of a household); proprietor (of a store); one's husband; (one's) employer; (one's) master; host
to screw up; to put the screws on (a person); to constrict (someone, something)
simile; metaphor; allegory; parable
collar; lapel; neckband; nape of the neck; scruff of the neck
to seize; to capture; to arrest; to hold down; to subdue
to tremble violently; to shudder up; to shake
sparkle of one's eyes; insight; discernment; penetration
consent; assent; understanding; agreement; comprehension; grasp
savage; wild; unruly; fierce; rough
to feel refreshed; to feel more cheerful; to feel better
making (a new suit, dress, etc.); having (something) made; buying new; new tune; new melody; new composition
one thin flat object; one sheet
stereotyped; stereotypical; invariable; like clockwork; regular
wording (esp. of written text); classical Chinese literary style; traditional written Chinese
to (make something) quiver; to shake; to tremble; to vibrate
more than most people; more than other people; compared with other people; more than others
everyday clothes; ordinary clothes; casual wear; informal dress
to tailor; to make (clothing); to train; to bring up; to make it seem like; to pass off
order (for an item); request; demand; condition
cloth; fabric; dough; batter; inherent quality; one's true character; unglazed pottery
princess; spoiled girl; hothouse flower; glue
earnest; sincere; pressing; urgent; pertinent; appropriate
one turn; one round; (a) size; to go around; to make a circuit; twelve years
as if it were about oneself
to ask; to inquire; to implore (a god for an oracle); to seek direction (from your superior); to visit; to speak to (a large crowd at a theatre, etc.)
several minutes; a few minutes
to get tired of waiting; to grow impatient
barking up the wrong tree; calling at the wrong house
confidentially; privately; off the record