to examine; to look up; to investigate; to check up; to sense; to study
whereabouts; place; location; place where one belongs; where one fits in; place where one can be oneself
a few years ago; some years back
severe; strict; hard (to do); difficult; intense (e.g. cold); harsh (weather)
to weaken; to grow weak; to be downcast; to be dejected; to be troubled; to be at a loss
for (e.g. "she dances well for an eight-year old"); considering it's (something or someone)
failing to properly evaluate the (relative) importance (of); putting the cart before the horse; mistaking the cause for the end; mistaking the insignificant for the essential; getting one's priorities backwards
charming; fascinating; attractive
base; basis; base (e.g. military); depot; base; base bag
pattern; design; body build; figure; essential qualities; character
one part; one portion; one section; one copy (e.g. of a document)
union; joining; conjugation
to become familiar with; to fit in; to adapt oneself; to get used to; to grow accustomed to
even if; even though; even; too; whether ... or ...; no matter (what, where, who, etc.)
first of all; to begin with; probably; most likely; more or less (satisfactory); on the whole
nodding (in agreement, with approval, etc.); repeatedly nodding and dozing off; suddenly (dying); deep (flavor, flavour, color, colour, etc.); rich
perhaps; likely; probably; I dare say
meaningfully (smiling, grinning, etc.); suggestively; broadly; sneeringly
mischief; prank; pastime; hobby; playing with (a lighter, etc.); fooling around with
to be attached; to be connected with; to remain imprinted; to scar; to bear (fruit, interest, etc.); to be acquired (of a habit, ability, etc.); to increase (of strength, etc.)
to attempt; to test; to try out
to recommend (someone to do); to advise; to recommend (a book, someone for a position, etc.); to suggest; to offer (a drink, cigarette, seat, etc.)
depending on; as soon as; immediately after; as (e.g. "as one is told", "as one wishes"); whatever (e.g. "whatever is at hand"); order; program
the minute (that) ...; no sooner than ...; as soon as; whether or not
simple; easy; uncomplicated; brief; quick; light
overbearing; coercive; pushy; forcible; high-handed
to strike; to clap; to play drums; to abuse; to bash; to consult; to sound out
to grow long (e.g. hair, nails); to lengthen; to extend; to reach out; to hold out; to straighten; to smooth out
at a disadvantage; in an unfavourable position; having poor prospects; standing little chance
blow; shock; strike; batting
crushed flat; flattened; flat-chested girl; sound of a sticky rice cake sticking to something
excellent; very good; exultant; elated
to shine; to glitter; to be bright
contrary to expectations; or so we thought, but ...
characteristic (of); peculiar (to)
thorn; spine; splinter (esp. lodged in one's flesh); hard sharp item (esp. lodged in one's throat, e.g. fish bone); biting words
to draw in; to take in; to retract; to withdraw; to take back (e.g. words)
good; excellent; fine; nice; pleasant; agreeable
pierced; drilled; perforated; hollow
briars; thicket; the bush
change; variation; variety; diversity; inflection; declension
possible; potential; practicable; feasible
no holds barred; anything goes; no limits
reverse; opposite; converse (of a hypothesis, etc.); inverse (function)
just what you'd expect from ...; that's just like (him, her, etc.); that's (exactly) why ...; that's (precisely) the reason ...