(in a) long time; long time (ago); while (ago); long ago; long while (ago); (in a) long while
self-control; self-restraint
(on) the spur of the moment; (by) mere chance
to be frank with you; to tell you the truth; I'm going to lay my cards on the table
the (one's) best pupil; the (one's) top disciple
now known as; renamed as; examination; inspection; investigation
coercion; overpowering; overawing; daunting
to refuse; to reject; to inform; to give notice; to ask leave; to excuse oneself (from)
warp; curvature; bend; curve (of a sword)
threat; menace; coercion; blackmail
nonexistent; not being (there); not having; not
to make merry; to be festive
adds light emphasis or insistence to a statement; gives a statement a threatening or condescending tone
(apparently) that's what it's like, isn't it; that sort of (thing mentioned immediately prior)
study; diligence; working hard; experience; knowledge; discount
to defy; to disobey; to rebel against; to oppose; to resist
paltry; trifling; piddling; stud; small protuberance
to shade an account; to add something extra
to nod one's head; to nod yes; to agree
reason; logic; sense; truth; right
short (in height); stumpy; tiny; short (trousers, etc.); undersized
but; however; (and) yet; nevertheless; still; for all that
genuine article; real thing; real deal
to make an enemy (of); to turn (someone) into an enemy; to antagonize
not feeling like doing ...; having no mind to ...; being in no mood for ...; having no intention of ...
to look down on; to make light of
reason; cause; history; origin
nameless; unnamed; obscure; unknown; causeless; unjustifiable
taste; elegance; appearance; air; the likes of ...; lowly people such as ...
(sound of) laughter; laughing voice
tool; implement; means; furniture
to speak brazenly; to never shut up
to get angry; to get mad; to lose one's temper; to go straight to one's head (of alcohol); to feel the effects (of an illness); to lose one's wits
intent to kill; intent to murder; urge to kill; murderous impulse
in a hurry; hurriedly; hastily; helter-skelter; hurry-scurry; in a panic
surprise attack; surprise visit; catching a person off guard
just because; even if; even though
war; battle; campaign; (arch.) troops; (arch.) forces
victory or defeat; outcome (of a game, battle, etc.)
sophism; chop logic; far-fetched argument; quibble; cavil; argument for argument's sake
to knead; to mix with fingers; to quibble; to argue for argument's sake