inarticulate; not making oneself quite clear; slurring one's words; evasive
to excel in one thing; to be a master in an art
a little; a bit; just a minute; for a moment; somewhat; rather
to detain; to check; to restrain
to release; to let go; to free; to add (pieces of eggplant, potato, etc.) to water, broth, etc.
to be affected; to be influenced; to be concerned with; to have to do with; to stick to (opinions)
beautiful woman; (a) beauty
amiability; friendliness; fondness (of someone); affection; compliments; civilities
approximately; about; only; nothing but; just (finished, etc.)
older sister; lass; young lady
guarantee; security; assurance; pledge; warranty
control; check; restraint; inhibition
trivial; not amounting to much
serving customers; looking after visitors; reception
worth; merit; value; good point; redeeming feature; saving grace
full of (e.g. mistakes); riddled with; covered all over with (blood, mud, etc.)
invitation; introduction; temptation
dumbfounded; overcome with surprise; in blank amazement; in a daze
to see someone off (at a station, an airport, etc.); to escort (e.g. home); to follow something with one's eyes until it is out of sight; to let pass; to pass up (an opportunity etc.); to shelve (a plan, deliberation on a bill, etc.); to postpone
business hours; opening hours; office hours
restlessly; nervously; uneasily; in a fidget
presence; sitting with; being with
doesn't amount to doing (something); not significant enough to require (something); unnecessary
to remove; to eliminate; to eradicate; to exclude; to except
public (attention, recognition, etc.); social (standing, acceptance, etc.); worldly (fame, desires, etc.)
change; alteration; difference; distinction; something wrong; abnormality
to wrinkle; to crinkle; to shrivel
to go upstream; to go back (in time, to origin); to date back to; to trace back to
very recently; in the very recent past
satisfactory; decent; good; proper; worthy
episode; anecdote; vignette
unreasonable request; asking for something unreasonable
opposition; resistance; insubordination; defiance; hostility; rebellion
to come true (of a wish, prayer, etc.); to be realized; to suit (e.g. a purpose); to meet (wishes, ideals, etc.); to match (implies competition); to rival
hanger-on; follower; flunky; purse strapped round one's waist
guide; tour guide; conductor; guidebook
guidance; showing the way; guide; guidepost; signpost; waymark
to displease; to offend; to hurt (a person's) feelings
great disaster; horrible tragedy; catastrophe; catastrophic event; catastrophic incident; dire calamity