to catch up (with); to draw level; to pull even; to be compensated; to make up for one's losses
waiting room; anteroom; antechamber; green room
thief; robber; burglar; bandit
appearance of written words; impression given by written letters, characters, etc.; literal meaning (of a piece of writing); superficial meaning; face (of a printing type)
if anything; if pushed I'd say; if I had to say
sound of footsteps; sense or sign that something is approaching
performance; execution; skill; dexterity; tact
fixed number; certain number; given number; definite number
garbage can; rubbish bin; trash can; dustbin
paper scoop used in goldfish scooping
hard; solid; stiff; tight; strong; firm (not viscous or easily moved); safe
to be dark; to be dull; to be unassuming; to be inconspicuous; to not stand out
silver hair; gray hair; grey hair
older brother; elder brother
actor; actress; man of wits; clever person; cunning fellow
to smoke; to smoulder; to be sooty; to be smoke-stained; to smoulder (e.g. a dispute); to smolder
older brother; elder brother; brother (as older-brother figure in friendly and or work relationship); young man; buddy
establishment; settlement
rapidly; vigorously; by leaps and bounds; steadily
linkage; entanglement; involvement; relationship; interaction
somehow; for some reason; without knowing why
young lady of noble birth; princess (esp. in Western contexts, tales, etc.); girl; small; cute; (arch.) prostitute
to be clear (of a sight, sound, colour, etc.); to be bright; to be clear-headed; to be alert; to look upbeat; to be perky; to master (a skill)
going up in flames; destruction by fire (esp. of a large building); stirring up a storm of criticism online (of an article, tweet, statement, etc.); becoming the target of an Internet pitchfork mob
troublesome matter; burden; difficult task; chore; hassle
to be annoyed (by); to be offended (at); to be irritated (with)
egregious; outrageous; too much; over the top
foothold; footing; toehold; stepping stone
cutting edge; leading edge; forefront; tip; end
spirit; heart; disposition
good; excellent; fine; nice; pleasant; agreeable
relatives; one's family; friends; members of the same organization; followers; henchmen
to keep in mind; to bear in mind; to try; to aim to do; to endeavor; to endeavour
one's heart; one's feelings; one's inner thoughts; one's mind
contrived; false-sounding
not asking (about); letting go unquestioned; disregarding; ignoring; overlooking
first time; first innings; initial attempt; first; initial
securing; obtaining; ensuring; belay; belaying
older brother and younger sister