birds of prey (of order Falconiformes or Strigiformes); raptors
to destroy; to crush; to break by striking; to spoil; to ruin
to shoot through something (wall, body, etc.); to pierce (e.g. with an arrow or a look)
influence; clout; leverage
society; the world; the times
to play dumb; to feign ignorance; to act as innocent
to determine (esp. a culprit or underlying cause); to pin down; to ascertain; (arch.) to stab to death
live coals (for firelighting); cause (of disturbance, conflict, etc.); trigger
robbery; pillage; seizure; hijacking; plunder; extortion
to set up (a house, store, etc.); to build; to have at the ready (e.g. a gun); to hold in preparation (e.g. a camera); to adopt a posture; to assume a stance; to put on an air
to be forestalled; to fall behind; to be one step behind
company; corporation; workplace
to meet (the enemy) and attack; to engage (the approaching enemy); to confront; to intercept
mixture; blending; complication; crossing; intersecting; interlacing
to scatter; to cause a shower of; to disperse; to distribute; to resolve (a symptom, condition, etc.); to relieve
tension; mental strain; nervousness
opening (a door, window, etc.); leaving open; opening up (e.g. to the public); allowing (public) access
relaxation (e.g. of muscles); becoming flaccid
risky; dangerous; insecure
subtleties; niceties; fine points; subtle; sensitive
one's habitual practice; usual measure; old trick
a matter of course; what is to be expected; par for the course
performance; trick; feat; extraordinary deed; daring act; bold move
treacherous; dangerous; untrustworthy; sneaky; cunning
intimidating air; sense of intimidation
reserve; spare; preparation; preliminaries
as usual; as always; as ever; as before; still
soft; tender; limp; subdued (colour or light) (color); gentle; meek
burr (e.g. chestnut); bur; cupule; case
agile; nimble; casual (clothing); light (e.g. luggage); carefree; with limited responsibility
to all appearances; no matter how you look at it
to throw violently against; to slam against; to strike; to thrust at someone (e.g. a letter)
judgment; judgement; decision; verdict
living flesh; flesh and blood; physical body of Buddha or a bodhisattva
immortal mountain wizard (in Taoism); mountain man (esp. a hermit); person not bound by earthly desires
granny; grandma; gran; old lady; old woman