to brace oneself; to focus one's energies; to focus one's mind
to try and do something; to attempt to do something
first of all; to begin with; probably; most likely; more or less (satisfactory); on the whole
completely; absolutely; (not) at all; (not) a bit; earnestly; intently
to break the ice; to broach a subject; to bring up a topic
to have (urgent) business; to have something one needs to attend to; to have something one wants to say (to someone)
slowly (but steadily); gradually; irritatedly; impatiently; scorchingly (of the sun); sizzling (i.e. sound of frying in oil); sound of a warning bell, alarm clock, etc.
to tease; to irritate; to tantalize; to keep (someone) in suspense
motionlessly (e.g. stand, wait); (be) still; fixedly (e.g. gaze, stare); intently (e.g. listen, think); patiently (endure); stoically
long time; long interval; for quite some time
pronunciation; production of sound
dully; dispassionately; apathetically; in a subdued manner
side road; byroad; digression (e.g. from argument)
core; heart (of the matter); point; crux; kernel
to prick; to stab; to poke; to prod; to use (a cane); to prop oneself up with
interest (in something); curiosity (about something); zest (for)
moving from place to place; being passed around repeatedly; rolling about
where; what place; how much (long, far); what extent
to be called ...; to be referred to as ...
mumblingly; mutteringly; unintelligibly
inconvenient; inexpedient; unfavourable; wrong; improper; objectionable
intracerebral; inside the brain; (occurring) in the mind; mental (e.g. image); imaginary
to raise one's hand; to surrender; to raise one's hand to someone (as a threat to strike); to become better (at something); to improve; to throw one's hat in the ring
no good; not serving its purpose; hopeless; wasted; cannot; must not
to cover (with something); to put on (e.g. on someone else's head); to plate something (with a metal); to pour or dash a liquid (on something); to charge (a person with a guilt)
swift attack; quick attack; fast break; right away; without delay; immediately
accepted; fully-fledged; clear; respectable
only; just; since; after; remaining (in a particular state)
(a) little; (a) few; slight; only; just; merely
as usual; as always; as before; as ever; still
common sense; general knowledge; common knowledge
extra; more; unnecessary; needless; all the more; even more
topic; subject; much talked about; topical; in the news
nothing; naught; nought; un-; non-
low (atmospheric) pressure; low-pressure system; depression; bad temper; foul mood; tense situation
now that you mention it; come to think of it; that reminds me; on that subject; speaking of which
circuitous; roundabout; indirect
sticky; persistent; insistent; nagging
raised leg; lifting a leg; upturn (in the market); (arch.) sitting cross-legged
tactics; strategy; military operation; naval operation
to speak distinctly; to speak clearly; to put it bluntly; to get to the point; to be frank
straight ball (pitch); direct (e.g. question); blunt