secret manoeuvres (maneuvers); operating behind the scenes
firm; unshakeable; resolute
ground; crust (earth); foundation (building, etc.); base; constituency; power base
(a) weakness; shortcoming; failing; sore point
matter; affair; counter for (received) emails, text messages, voicemail messages, etc.; counter for accounts (on a website, email service, etc.)
to flicker; to glimmer; to flit; to fall lightly (snow, rain)
particular; special; exceptional; particularly; especially; exceptionally
consideration; concern; attention; thoughtfulness; making arrangements; care
little power; little influence; (one's) poor ability; limited ability; what little one can do
to be frank with you; to tell you the truth; I'm going to lay my cards on the table
distinguished family; noted family; family status in the Imperial Court; master (of a craft); expert
how many people; a number of people
giving and taking; exchange (of letters); arguing back and forth; (conversational) exchange
commencing with; including
leader of a delegation (body, party)
something; something or other; so-and-so; somehow; anyhow; one way or another
(university) president; chancellor; principal; provost
meeting (face-to-face); seeing; visit; interview
side (of something, or taking someone's side); part; (watch) case
to mourn; to lament; to be sorry; to regret; to repent
thoughtless; reckless; seldom; rare; ordinary; usual
formal marriage interview; marriage meeting
to offer (a suggestion, etc.); to propose (an idea, etc.); to approach with (a proposal, etc.)
yes?; no?; isn't it?; is it?
chance; start; cue; excuse; motive; impetus
thanks; gratitude; manners; etiquette; bow; reward
consultation; discussion; discussing; asking (somebody) for advice
here and there; all around; everywhere; to get things in the wrong order (back to front); to become muddled up
plentiful; lot of; much; pile of
marriage proposal; marriage talks
to come fluttering in (e.g. leaves, snow, flowers, etc.); to come dancing in; to drop in unexpectedly; to happen unexpectedly
eldest son (may be the only son); first-born son
one day; all day (long); throughout the day; first day of the month