(one's) grasp of the situation; knowing how matters stand
starting work (on); setting to work (on); commencing (a crime); playing (a move)
smallest (in size, degree, etc.); least; minimum; minimal
to cast amorous glances at a man (of a woman); to make eyes at; to give (someone) the eye; to make advances
speaking without thinking; words spoken without much thought
to be in difficulties; to be in trouble; to be in a difficult situation
provisional; temporary; tentative; interim
signboard with gold or gilt lettering; slogan; motto; main feature; star
private funds; own funds; private property
without compensation; without reward; without pay; free (of charge)
repair work; restoration work
appointment; nomination; ordination; commission; designation
to take flight; to disappear
to bear responsibility for; to be liable for; to answer for; to take the blame for
absurd; nonsensical; preposterous
to shake one's head (in denial)
proxy; agent; substitute; deputy; alternate; representative
conscription; (military) draft; (compulsory) enlistment
dangling; hanging; suspended; pending; half done; in limbo
hospitality; reception; treatment; (light) refreshment; entertaining with food and drink; treat
gourmet food; delicious food; dining on gourmet food; following a lavish diet; living as an epicure
geisha; dressed-up beautiful woman
front entrance; front door
migratory bird; bird of passage
rapidly; vigorously; by leaps and bounds; steadily
wide open sky; the blue; heavens; firmament
to grow taller (of people)
talking while standing; standing around talking
poor-looking; impoverished-looking; scrawny (e.g. figure); thin-looking; sparse (e.g. meal)
to read and understand; to interpret (e.g. a difficult text); to read deeply; to decipher; to decode
passing each other; missing (meeting) each other; failing to meet; (being at) cross purposes; discrepancy
sitting cross-legged; sitting in the lotus position
finally; after; following; at the end (of)
having no idea; having no clue
having in mind; happening to know (of); idea (of); inkling
to trap (into a difficult situation); to put (in a fix); to capture (a castle, fortress, etc.); to take; to drop (something) into
circulation; dissemination
safekeeping; temporary custody; claim check; deposit receipt; matter left undecided; unresolved issue
at (a time or place); in; in (a situation, matter, etc.); on (a point); on the part of; under the authority of
stagnation; deposit; sediment; faltering; hesitation; pause
unworthy; unbecoming; improper
(not even) a little; (not even) a tiny bit