at the very beginning of one's speech; the first thing (one) says after opening the mouth
to line up; to put in a row; to add (to a group); to accept (as a member of an organization, etc.); to link; to put together
on the way; en route; in the middle of; midway; halfway
to interrupt; to obstruct (a view, someone's way, etc.); to block (light, wind, etc.); to intercept; to cut off
exhausting work; hard work; severe duty
to make good use of one's spare moments; to weave one's way (e.g. through a crowd)
contriving (to raise funds, to find time, etc.); working out (a solution)
that day; the very same day
present point (i.e. in history); at the present time
to be able (to); to be possible (to)
limit; limits; degree; extent; the end; the last; as long as ...
to play (a stringed or keyboard instrument)
to raise; to elevate; to do up (one's hair); to fly (a kite, etc.); to launch (fireworks, etc.); to land (a boat); to deep-fry
bitter smile; wry smile; strained laugh; sarcastic laugh
plain; frank; candid; open; direct; straightforward
even; even if; even though; because of; on the grounds that
reflection; reconsideration; introspection; regret; repentance; remorse
to devise; to arrange; to plan; to plot
just like; (virtually) no different from; (almost) the same as; as good as (e.g. dead, settled)
being lost for words; becoming speechless; jueju (Chinese quatrain with lines of either five or seven syllables)
preface; introduction; preamble
unexpected; unforeseen; inconceivable
details (of an incident, event, etc.); whole story; course of events; facts; circumstances; particulars
to talk about; to speak of; to recite; to chant; to indicate; to show
to start; to begin; to start up (a business, society, etc.); to open (e.g. a store); to start ...; to begin to ...
confident; assured; self-assured; bullish (e.g. market)
briskly; smartly; promptly; clearly; lucidly
at that time; in those days
exactly; precisely; just; as if; as though; quite
the late king; the preceding king; good ancient kings
to succeed (someone); to take over from; to pick up the torch
king; ruler; tycoon; magnate; king (of the senior player)
accession to the throne; enthronement
now (with the nuance of 'the last moment'); this late in the game
continually; continuously; incessantly; without interruption
very young; little; childish; immature