Zhou dynasty (China, approx. 1046-256 BCE); Chou dynasty; perimeter; counter for laps or circuits
independent; autonomous; voluntary; of one's own initiative
smirkingly; broadly (grinning)
thank you for your hard work; good work; see you; goodbye; goodnight
aid; assistance; help; cheering; rooting (for); support
teacher; master; religious leader; specialist; (arch.) five-battalion brigade comprising 2500 men (Zhou-dynasty Chinese army)
naming; nominating; designating; calling on; asking for; requesting
eye; eyeball; eyesight; sight; look; stare; notice
not at all; don't worry about it; forget about it
appearance (in the eyes of society); decency
obstinate; stubborn; mulish; die-hard; bigoted
pupil; student; schoolchild
how long; how far; how much
ancient times; distant past; antiquity
to plan; to attempt; to plot; to conspire; to aim for; to strive for
subject; theme; homework; assignment; task; challenge
clear; clearing (a bar, hurdle, etc.); overcoming; getting through; clearing (the ball); clearing (e.g. a checked box)
at this juncture; after all this time; at this stage; now
to take (a resource, e.g. time or money); to hang; to come into view; to arrive; to come under (a contract, a tax); to start (engines, motors); to attend
anything and everything; all sorts of things; by all means
tool; implement; means; furniture
challenge; defiance; dare; attempt; try
success; passing (e.g. exam); eligibility
time; thyme; time out (e.g. in sport)
physical strength; brute strength; arm strength
to thrust (something) into (something); to cram; to plunge into; to charge into; to delve into (a matter); to go into depth; to press (someone) about
bitter smile; wry smile; forced smile; strained laugh
willingness (e.g. to do something); eagerness; motivation; inspiration; determination; high aspirations
menu; schedule; program; (computer) menu
bitter smile; wry smile; strained laugh; sarcastic laugh
futon; Japanese bedding consisting of a mattress and a duvet; round cushion used for Zen meditation (traditionally made of woven bulrush leaves)
before very long; soon; someday; of the previously mentioned; of that number; among them
whitewashing; glossing over; lip service; deftly finishing up; putting on the final touches
incidentally; taking the opportunity; while (you) are at it; on the occasion
this and that; various things
to set up (a house, store, etc.); to build; to have at the ready (e.g. a gun); to hold in preparation (e.g. a camera); to adopt a posture; to assume a stance; to put on an air
attack; assault; raid; criticism; censure; denunciation