what I want to say is ...; the fact of the matter is ...; none other than ...
to catch one's attention; to catch one's ear; to be annoying to one's ear
to try; to attempt; to have a go (at something)
to take more time than expected; to take a long time; to be delayed
getting closer; drawing nearer; being not much different; being near (age, skill, etc.); becoming close (i.e. friendly); becoming intimate
to hold between (e.g. one's fingers, chopsticks); to grip (from both sides); to put between; to sandwich between; to catch (e.g. a finger in a door); to trap; to insert (e.g. a break into proceedings)
feel (i.e. tactile sensation); touch; feeling; sensation; texture (e.g. food, cloth)
to become clumsy; to miss one's aim
equipping; installing; fitting; mounting; putting on
(principle of) letting sleeping dogs lie; peace-at-any-price; don't rock the boat
to have (the) courage (to); to be courageous