merger; joining into one; amalgamation; melding; merging; annexation
to set off to advantage; to bring into prominence; to support; to favor; to rouse (spirits); to march (a prisoner) off
straight talk; plain speaking; speaking frankly
loyal retainer; loyal subject
planning; scheming; maneuvering; manoeuvring
closing; closure; shutdown; lockout
orders; instructions; directive; command
before one's very eyes; under one's nose; imminence; close at hand
each time; always; often; thank you for your continued patronage
colon; eau de Cologne; colonist
false name; alias; assumed name; pseudonym
one's father; one's old man; middle-aged (or older) man; old man; one's boss; proprietor (of a restaurant, store, etc.)
cost of medical treatment; medical expenses; fees for treatment
to turn over; to turn pages of a book; to tear off; to strip off; to tear up
of no concern at all; no skin off my nose
service entrance; delivery entrance
to attend on; to wait on; to accompany; to escort; to chaperone
to be sorry; to beg pardon; to be grateful; to be amazed; to be filled with awe; to be disconcerted
bakery; baker; pastry shop
information bureau; intelligence department
home country; one's own country; suzerain country (from the perspective of the vassal state); colonizing country; country of one's ancestors; this country
notice or order handed down from above; announcement; notification; Edo-period proclamation issued by the shogunate (or a daimyo, etc.) to the concerned parties
cannot help (feeling); cannot hold back (tears, laughter, etc.)
judging; inspection; examination; investigation; review
strict (e.g. security); heavy (e.g. guard); showy; pretentious; impressive; imposing
leading; guiding; commanding
sightseeing; scout; patrol; watchtower; lookout
flight; desertion; escape
reins; bridle; control; the reins (on)
what?!; what did you say?!; why?; what for?; anyone; anything
a lot more; much more; and then some; and plenty more than that
special order; custom order; bespoke (goods)
order (from one's superior); command; what you say; (someone's) words
retaining warmth; keeping heat in; heat insulation
nothing to sneeze at; pretty impressive
office (usu. for construction, maintenance, services, etc.)
banknote; bill; note; paper money
outsider; someone outside of a group
past middle age; nearing old age; near-elderly; age 40
masterpiece; best work; amusing blunder; funny mistake; boner