to put up (a notice, sign, etc.); to hang out (e.g. a banner); to hold up high; to raise overhead; to tout (a principle, plan, etc.); to herald; to publish
labor union; labour union; trade union
firm; determined; resolute; conclusive
straight ball (pitch); direct (e.g. question); blunt
common language; lingua franca; standard language (language variety understood throughout a country)
finish; end; completion; result
small tool; gadget; (stage) properties; prop; prop master
to rise; to swell; to intensify; to increase; to grow stronger; to get higher
attentive to detail; meticulous in one's work
so; therefore; and; (and) then
increase; rise; growth; addition; increment
to call on someone; to call at a place; to ask; to inquire; to hear; to be told
a lot more; much more; and then some; and plenty more than that
in a hurry; hurriedly; hastily; helter-skelter; hurry-scurry; in a panic
to collect (debts); to dun; to appoint; to promote; to emphasize; to focus on
temporary; transitory; short-lived
increasing the number of staff; hiring more people
aim; object; expectations; prospects; something that can be relied upon; snack served with alcoholic drink; pad
dialogue; conversation; talk; discussion; communication
ornament; decorative object; figurehead; leader without real power
condition; term; requirement; qualification; prerequisite
hurdle; hurdle race; hurdles; hurdle; obstacle
to light (a candle, lamp, etc.); to turn on (a light)
difficult to ...; hard to ...
goods; materials; commodities; resources; supplies
to be careful; to pay attention; to take care
matter of the highest priority; top priority; first priority
strike (i.e. industrial action)
half; 50%; 5 parts; 5%; equality; equal footing
dimly; faintly; absentmindedly; vacantly; idly; aimlessly
procedure; process; proceedings; formalities
(very) quick; rapid; swift; speedy; prompt; expeditious
notice of personnel change (appointment, dismissal, etc.); wording; choice of language; phraseology
several hundred; hundreds (of)
number of persons; numerical strength; head count
mark; target; object; subject; point (e.g. of argument)
space; room; vacancy; opening; free time; time to spare
underwater; behind closed doors; behind the scenes; below the surface
fierce (fight, competition, etc.); severe; hot; hard; bitter; keen
check; keeping in check; containment (of enemy forces); diversionary action; pickoff throw; holding (a runner) on base
no matter how much time passes; no matter how long you wait; (taking) forever
recruitment; invitation; raising (funds, donations, etc.); collection; flotation (of shares, loans, etc.)
to take a lot of dealing with; to be a handful
main cause; primary factor