seeming like an excuse; seeming like a justification; defensive; in an apologetic tone
doubtful; questionable; uncertain; disputable; suspicious
to dodge; to evade; to avoid; to sidestep
draining basket (traditionally made of bamboo); colander; something full of holes; zaru soba; strong drinker; someone who can drink like a fish
line; stripe; line (e.g. telephone line); wire; ray (e.g. X-ray); beam; line (e.g. of a railroad)
along; parallel to; in accordance with
administrative; businesslike; practical; impersonal; perfunctory; robot-like
business; affairs; duties; work; procedure; task
person in charge (including a supervisory role for other staff); person responsible for ...; responsible party; supervisor; manager
special; particular; peculiar; unique
engaging in (work); pursuing (e.g. studies); following (a profession); being involved in
air route; air lane; by air; by plane
(practical) experience; personal experience; hands-on experience; first-hand experience
place; spot; field; discipline; occasion; situation; scene (of a play, movie, etc.)
to hit; to strike; to strike (noon, etc.); to sound (cymbals, etc.); to beat (rhythmically, e.g. pulse, waves, etc.); to move; to impress
unfortunately; sorry, but ...
staff officer; military staff; adviser; counselor; counsellor
body; group; party; company; troupe
instead of; in place of; as a substitute for; in exchange for; in return for; to make up for
vice-minister; undersecretary
assistant ...; probationary ...
to call out (to); to call; to summon (a doctor, etc.); to invite; to designate; to name; to garner (support, etc.)
lack; absence; shortage; deficiency; privation
nice; likeable; desirable
near; close; beside; third person
remaining an idle spectator; looking on unconcernedly (doing nothing)
remainder; remnant; (not) very; (not) much; too much; excessively
exceedingly; extremely; exceptionally; unexpectedly
because of; on account of; regarding; per; apiece
way of saying (something); way of putting it; wording; phrasing; language; expression
unable to stomach; sticking in one's throat; displeased with
anyone; anybody; everyone; whoever
arrangement; preparations; search (by police)
to turn one's face; to turn around; to look over one's shoulder
altitude; height; elevation; high-degree; high-grade; advanced
to make (the best) use of; to put to good use; to let live; to keep alive; to revive; to resuscitate
to be found; to be discovered
at once; immediately; right away; directly (face, lead to, etc.); automatically (mean, result in, etc.)
those (near the second person)
distinction; difference; separate; different; exception; exclusion