family; members of a family
fiction; made-up story; fable; fabrication; myth
much less; to say nothing of
to burst into tears; to burst out crying; to begin to cry; to be moved to tears
untalkative; quiet; taciturn; reticent; uncommunicative
to crumble away; to collapse
to feel that something is true or actually happening; to hit one (realization, thought); to sink in
towards (a destination); for the purpose of; with the goal of; targeting (a group, a demographic)
figure of a person; figures of people; shadow of a person
to be clear (of a sight, sound, colour, etc.); to be bright; to be clear-headed; to be alert; to look upbeat; to be perky; to master (a skill)
standing on formality; in a reserved manner; treating a friend as a stranger; unduly distant; formal
mother-in-law; foster mother; step mother
to be overcome with emotion
dear (old); fondly-remembered; beloved; missed; nostalgic
preparedness; readiness; mental attitude; frame of mind
outside (e.g. of a building); exterior; outside (of a group, company, etc.); outside world
root (of a plant); root (of a tooth, hair, etc.); center (of a pimple, etc.); root (of all evil, etc.); source; one's true nature
substance; essence; real (in economics, vs. nominal, e.g. real interest rate); substantive; substantial
all; entire; whole; altogether
bitter smile; wry smile; strained laugh; sarcastic laugh
self-deprecation; self-derision; self-mockery; laughing at oneself
subject; theme; homework; assignment; task; challenge
one end; an end; part; fragment
the prospects look brighter; there is hope of accomplishing (something)
I'm told; is what I heard; is how it is, apparently; is what they said
gift; boon; (good) result; fruit (e.g. of one's efforts)
private affairs; personal matter
exclusive; attached to; specialist
class; heading; group; category
obstacle; hindrance; impediment; difficulty
way of talking; speaking style
to cure; to heal; to fix; to correct; to do over again; to replace
honorific; term of respect; polite expression; honorific language
tone of command; authoritative tone; commanding tone
oh my god; how; what the; incredible
high-handed; domineering; on one's high horse