to save face; to show deference; to make someone look good
haughty; arrogant; pompous; self-important
to take an attitude; to take a stance; to commit oneself; to assume a position
to regard someone with odium; to look at someone with reproach
influence; clout; leverage
underwater; behind closed doors; behind the scenes; below the surface
expectation; anticipation; purpose; intention; others' opinions of one; speculation
criticism; judgement; judgment; comment
gaining time; stalling for time; time-buying
selfish; self-centred; egotistical
to suffer; to groan; to be worried
domestic animals; livestock; cattle
diversion; distraction; feint
to be heartbroken; to have one's heart break; to be overwhelmed with grief
grief; sorrow; extreme sadness; heartbreak
expression; look; countenance; face
live coals (for firelighting); cause (of disturbance, conflict, etc.); trigger
any moment now; any minute now; as soon as possible; right away
fury; flying into a rage; outrage
flame; blaze; flames (of intense emotion, e.g. love, jealousy, anger); passion
glaring at each other; confrontation; standoff; face-off
urgent; pressing; immediate; urgently; promptly; at once
one's own discretion (idea, responsibility)
the other day; lately; recently; meanwhile; in the meantime
another; one more; even more; (not) quite; (not) very
Your Majesty; His Majesty; Her Majesty
to pause; to have a short intermission
to bend; to crook; to lean; to tilt; to bend (the truth); to distort
slight bow (as a greeting or sign of gratitude); nod; salutation; consideration; thoughtfulness
displeasure; discomfort; unpleasantness; indisposition; ailment
to exude (e.g. sweat); to ooze; to seep out; to reveal itself (of emotions, etc.)
standard; set; routine; decided
exposing; unmasking; laying bare
quick; speedy; prompt; rapid; swift
violation; offense; offence; breach; transgression; infringement
guidance; lead; introduction; good offices; guide; primer
to knock at the gate; to request an apprenticeship; to ask to be made a pupil
to dress up as; to disguise oneself as; to play the role of
previous day; day before; eve; prior day; preceding day