strange occurrence; unusual occurrence; unexpected occurrence; grave and unexpected occurrence
if it's going to be that way, then ...; if given the choice; if possible; if anything
while it may be true that; just because; nevertheless; not necessarily
hopeless; futile; no use; beyond help; cannot be done
cash; ready money; money on hand; mercenary; self-interested; calculating
supervision; control; superintendence; director; superintendent; supervisor
territory; domain; dominion; possession; sphere of action
ignoring; bypassing; doing something without consultation; going over someone's head
stubborn; obstinate; pigheaded
lending (money); finance; loan; adaptability; versatility; flexibility
advantage; benefit; profit; interest
flourish of trumpets; fanfare
losing initiative; being forestalled; second move (in go or shogi); moving second; rear guard
stallion brought close to a mare to test her readiness to mate; stalking horse; spoiler
drastic treatment; rough-and-ready treatment; drastic remedy; drastic measures; drastic steps
beyond expectation; contrary to expectations; unexpectedly
both; both sides; both parties
competition; contest; rivalry; competition (between organisms or species)
youngster; neophyte; greenhorn
to curry favour (with); to play up (to); to cozy up (to); to butter up
rubbing the wrong way (e.g. a cat); irritating
to cave in; to become depressed; to sink
next term; next period; next version; next release
to act self-importantly; to be arrogant; to be high-handed; to puff up
dark; gloomy; depressed; dispirited; dark (in colour); dull; ill-boding
one's dearest wish; Buddha's vow to save humanity
fulfillment; fulfilment; realization; realisation; completion
good-for-nothing; spineless; gutless; spiritless; feckless; pluckless
substitution; replacement; shifting; change
entering a higher-level school, esp. going on to university
change for the better; improvement; looking better (than before)
personnel; members; lineup (of a team); announcement of next day's match-ups
this year; this fiscal year; this school year
to die; to lay down life's burden
to accomplish; to achieve; to carry out; to arrive at (a certain outcome); to come to; to end with
new rice; first rice crop of the year; novice; beginner; newcomer
degree of familiarity; popularity
not just once; more than once; many times; again and again
having the memory of having done something oneself; familiar (to one); guilty (look, expression, etc.)
plan; device; idea; design; contrivance; conception
microminiature; ultraminiature; ultra-small
top brass; upper echelon; higher-ups; top management; upper reaches; top of the pile
just before one's eyes; in one's presence; personally
pressure; encouragement; urging; promoting