a few years ago; some years back
unable to take one's eyes off of something; having to keep a watchful eye on
need; want; necessity; expenses; cost
original; unique; distinctive; independent; one's own; personal
common people; ordinary people; masses
if anything; if pushed I'd say; if I had to say
to make out to be; to set someone up (as); to prepare (e.g. someone for a role); to make (e.g. "a man out of him"); to frame
to start a journey; to embark on a trip; to set forth; to hit the trail
tragedy; tragic drama; tragic play; tragedy; calamity; disaster
dragon (esp. a Chinese dragon); naga; semi-divine human-cobra chimera in Hindu and Buddhist mythology; promoted rook
actual existence; real existence; existing in real life
herbivorous; plant-eating; graminivorous
lizard; skink lizard (Scincidae spp.)
excessive fishing; overfishing; overhunting; excessive taking
if it is the case that ...
literature; books (reference); document
divorce; dissolution of adoption
several years; a few years
to refuse; to decline; to deny
foster father; adoptive father
adopted child (usu. male); son-in-law
everything; anything; nothing
to feel compassion towards; to be swayed by emotion; to be moved by
related (by blood); blood-related; of the same blood
wholly (due to); entirely; solely; earnestly; intently; sincerely
forcefulness of speech; influential voice
congress; parliament; diet; legislative assembly
deep affection; dear; beloved
personage; person (deserving of respect)
good impression; favorable impression
age-appropriate (esp. of clothing, hairstyles)
last drink (of sake); last glass; last cup
tattling; telling on (someone)
in contrast to ...; unlike ...; while ...; whereas ...
otherwise; or else; if not