internal conditions; true state of affairs
intelligence gathering; information gathering
wiles; sinister design; trick; conspiracy; intrigue
to scream; to whine; to grumble; to complain
before one's eyes; in front of one; under one's nose; immediate; imminent; around the corner
to advance; to move forward; to carry forward (plans, work, etc.); to proceed with; to raise; to elevate
to be amazed; to be shocked; to be astonished; to be astounded; to be disgusted; to be exasperated
to run away; to flee; to make off; to start to run away
to drag down; to pull down; to force out (of power, office, role, etc.)
cannot bring oneself (to do); unable to bear (e.g. seeing)
plausible; believable; solemn; dignified; serious
obedient; meek; docile; honest; frank; upfront (about one's feelings)
to reap completely; to trim up (the hair); to dress up
middle-age; middle age; midlife; one's middle years
to stand; to rise; to find oneself (e.g. in a difficult position); to depart (on a plane, train, etc.)
dignity; majesty; solemnity; gravity
long military service; having experienced many battles
strong person; the strong; the powerful
feeling; sensation; emotion; interjection
very; considerably; by no means; not readily; middle; half-way point
seriousness; earnestness; truth; sanctity
to be among the top five; to be one of the five best
influential person; powerful person; big wheel; big gun; power behind the throne
(at) a glance; (judging from) appearances
class-A; A class; A grade
(real) ability; true strength; merit; arms; force
skill; dexterity; master hand
back; rear; background; behind the scenes
to take someone's life; to kill someone
nothing new; same as always; an old story; nothing new about it; not the first time it has happened
to be upset; to lose one's composure; to lose self-control; to put in disorder; to mess up; to disturb
management; dealing with; course of events; circumstances; end result (usu. bad); outcome
beautiful; lovely; heartwarming; beautiful
master and servant; lord and retainer; employer and employee
relationship of mutual trust; fiduciary relation
to come true (of a wish, prayer, etc.); to be realized; to suit (e.g. a purpose); to meet (wishes, ideals, etc.); to match (implies competition); to rival
twelve; 12; queen (playing card)