previously; before; first; before (something or someone else); beforehand; in advance
to turn one's hand to; to reach out one's hand; to get involved in; to make a move on; to strike; to beat
difficult to ...; hard to ...
to wring (towel, rag); to squeeze; to squeeze (fruit to extract juice); to press; to rack (one's brains); to strain (one's voice); to extort
residence; estate; grounds; premises; mansion
whereabouts; place where one is; position; location
to be caught in; to be stuck in; to stop by; to drop in for a short visit; to get mixed up in (trouble); to get entangled in (a problem); to fall for (a trick)
using freely; making full use of; having a good command of; working (someone) hard; driving (someone) on
trend; tendency; movement; attitude
defense; defence; guard; policing; security
plan; project; schedule; scheme; program; programme
to knead; to thicken into a paste (stirring over a flame); to polish (a plan, etc.); to refine; to train; to drill; to gloss (silk)
grasp; catch; understanding
colouring; coloring; shade (of colour); flavour; nuance; feel
counterintelligence; counterespionage
intensive; concentrated; focused
arrangement (of resources); deployment; stationing; posting; disposition; configuration
one's speciality; one's forte; one's strong point
to work (for); to be employed (at); to serve (as); to act (as); to conduct a religious service
night attack; nocturnal assault
advantage; benefit; merit; good point; plus
few; a little; scarce; insufficient; seldom
coach (horse-drawn); carriage; wagon; cart
to ride up to; to drive up to; to get used to riding; to get used to driving
escape; flight; running away; elopement; fleeing
to seal (letter); to prevent; to forbid; to block
to detach; to decapitate; to cut loose; to let loose; to dismember
going in and out; entering and exiting; visiting regularly; frequenting; income and expenditure; incomings and outgoings; increase and decrease
of course; certainly; naturally
even; if only; if just; as long as; the only thing needed
isolation; cut off; blockade; quarantine; interception; deprivation
state; state of affairs; appearance; look; sign; indication
(one's) identity; background; upbringing; (one's) character