to a surprising degree; to a remarkable extent; surprisingly; astonishingly; amazingly; alarmingly
group; faction; (political) faction; wing; school (of thought, painting, etc.); sect
preconception; preconceived notion; prejudice
creation; production; creative work (novel, film, etc.); fabrication; fiction; invention
theory; standard procedure; common strategy; established tactics
general; popular; common; typical
often (happens); tend to; be apt to; be likely to
character (of a person); personality; disposition; characteristics; nature (of a thing, event, etc.)
calmness; composure; coolness; serenity; presence of mind
from the beginning; without hesitation; entirely; completely; head-on; head-first
when; at what time; how soon; normal times; ordinary days
distinction; differentiation; discrimination; difference
(for something) to have occurred; to have done (something); (for something) to happen on occasion
in either case (used specifically in the instance of two possible outcomes or situations); either way; one way or another
presumptuous; impertinent; impudent; ridiculous; laughable; absurd
victory or defeat; victory and defeat
to cram; to stuff; to jam; to squeeze; to pack; to crowd
affectation; pretension; thin veneer; blunt sword with a tempered steel edge
play; playing; pleasure; amusement; play (in a mechanism, e.g. a steering wheel); slack
practice; training; drill; (an) exercise; workout
pleasant feeling; good vibes
maintenance; preservation; improvement
to warm (up); to heat (up); to sit on (an idea, plan, etc.); to keep to oneself; to renew (an old friendship); to take for oneself
hidden ball trick; ace up one's sleeve; secret weapon
to read thoroughly; to read repeatedly; to read (extra meaning) into (something); to take (future changes) into consideration; to load (data); to read
killing time; keeping oneself occupied; time killer; wasting time; waste of time
double; twice (as much); times (as much); -fold; 1-nth; 1 to n
slim; slender; lithe; smoothly; without resistance; without trouble
guard; security guard; security officer
to (call and) stop; to call (someone) to stop; to hail (e.g. a taxi)
anxiety; uneasiness; worry; apprehension; fear; insecurity
to; for; from the standpoint of; as far as ... is concerned
to succeed; to relieve; to take the place of; to substitute for; to be exchanged; to change (places with)
bureau; department; office (e.g. post, telephone); broadcasting station (e.g. television, radio); affair; situation
all kinds of things; various things; large number of people
procedure; process; proceedings; formalities
human; human-like; as a person