match; game; bout; contest
to glare at each other; to confront each other
morale (of troops, team, etc.); esprit de corps
falling lightly (e.g. snow, petals, confetti); fluttering; flickering; twinkling; appearing and disappearing; catching glimpses
activity (esp. energetic); great efforts; conspicuous service; to flourish; to participate actively; to play an active role
selection (esp. from many people for an important job position); exceptional promotion
to make good; to improve; to do often; to be kind to; to treat well
long-awaited; much-awaited
curtain; bunting; act (in play)
high-spirited; cheerful; assertive; vigorous
shout (of encouragement, etc.); yell (used to time or encourage activity, e.g. "Heave ho!")
elegant; refined; polished; high-quality goods; first-class article
aid; assistance; help; cheering; rooting (for); support
to wish someone good luck; to wish someone success
championship game; finals (of a tournament); deciding round
prize winner; pennant winner; victor
to throw out one's chest; to be puffed up with pride
nod deeply; glugging; drinking deeply
to side with (someone); to support (someone)
genius; prodigy; natural gift
notice; attention; observation
battle; fight; war; struggle; conflict
to hold one's breath (in fear, anxiety, etc.)
sense of urgency; feeling of high tension
production (e.g. play); direction
dropping out; falling behind; omission; being left out; falling off; coming off
quick; swift; nimble; quick (understanding, judgement, etc.); alert; prompt
seat; seats; stands; grandstand; bleachers
(shout of) encouragement; cheering; rooting; support
wildly different (in ability, strength, etc.); on another level; in a different league; of different heights; uneven
main cause; primary factor
ratio; proportion; match; equal; explicit comparison (style of the Shi Jing); Philippines
taste; elegance; appearance; air; the likes of ...; lowly people such as ...
unprecedented; unique; unparalleled
to make noise; to make racket; to rustle; to swoosh; to make merry; to clamor; to clamour
to sit on the edge of one's seat; to be in breathless suspense
if it's going to be that way, then ...; if given the choice; if possible; if anything
equal (in ability); even; evenly matched; well-matched; on par (with)