to open the lid; to lift a lid; to open the lid (on); to make public; to start (something); to look at the results (consequences, outcome, effect)
the past; bygone days; one's past (that one would prefer remained secret); past (tense); preterit; previous life
banter; raillery; ridicule; teasing; making fun of
negative; passive; half-hearted; unmotivated
special someone; special person; precious one; significant other
strong spirit; mettle; backbone; guts; fighting spirit
to be given the cold shoulder; to be jilted; to be rejected; to be dumped
to swing; to wield (physically); to exercise (e.g. power, ability); to exhibit; to flourish; to prosper
(in) the presence of the whole company; with all eyes filed upon (one)
leading a meeting; presiding over a meeting; officiating at a ceremony; chairman; presenter; host
to grow hot (e.g. water); to boil; to get excited (at); to erupt (in applause, cheering, etc.); to ferment; to melt (of metal)
chief umpire; referee (soccer, boxing, etc.)
to become blunt; to grow dull; to become less capable; to weaken; to falter
earning the first (runs); preoccupation
(real) ability; true strength; merit; arms; force
rivalry (between two equally strong sides); struggle for supremacy; competing (with); vying (with); contending (with); being an equal match (for)
victory or defeat; match; contest; game
mutually; with each other; reciprocally; together
beginning; start; first (in line, etc.); origin; such as ...; not to mention ...
interval; distance; suitable time; appropriate opportunity; distance between opponents (kendo)
strong point; merit; virtue; advantage
flexible; lithe; soft; pliable
thrust; stab; tsuki; thrust to the throat (in kendo); tsuki; thrust to the chest
to face (each other); to be facing; to be directed toward (the future, etc.); to be in response to; to receive (a client, etc.); to compare with
to be flexible; to be accommodating
defense; defence; safeguard; protection
to kill (a human) using a blade (sword, machete, knife, etc.); to slice (off); to lop (off); to cut (off)
coward; weakling; scaredy cat; wimp; sissy
flower; blossom; cherry blossom; beauty; blooming (esp. of cherry blossoms); ikebana; hanafuda
if anything; if pushed I'd say; if I had to say
(shout of) encouragement; cheering; rooting; support
to cool down; to get cold; to cool off (excitement, temper, etc.); to subside; to be cold (eyes, expression, etc.); to be composed
doesn't amount to doing (something); not significant enough to require (something); unnecessary
small; fine; minute; minor; trivial; sensitive
quick-witted and agile; keen and nimble
audience; spectator; spectators
high spirits; high energy; go!; go-man-go!; fashionably clothed and assertive (esp. of a woman); flashy
piece (in shogi, chess, etc.); (arch.) horse; (arch.) foal; bridge (of a violin, etc.)
expectation; anticipation; purpose; intention; others' opinions of one; speculation
suspicious; dubious; unreliable; indecent; unseemly