to pull tight; to brace; to tighten
character (esp. kanji); letter; handwriting; penmanship; the ... word (e.g. "the L word" = "love")
rivalry (between two equally strong sides); struggle for supremacy; competing (with); vying (with); contending (with); being an equal match (for)
to defend against; to protect against; to prevent; to avert; to avoid
to insert; to put in (such that there is a snug fit); to have sex; to fuck; to pigeonhole (into a particular category); to place a ring-shaped object around something (esp. one that restricts freedom, such as handcuffs)
to assault with a sword; to stab at; to slash at
unable to stomach; sticking in one's throat; displeased with
to kill with a sword (knife, dagger, etc.); to slay; to put to the sword
provocation; stirring up; arousal; excitement; stimulation
to add; to add up; to increase; to gather (e.g. speed); to include; to count in
seriousness; earnestness; truth; sanctity
restive horse; unmanageable person (esp. a woman); shrew; stubborn tomboy
cornerstone; main point; requirement; need; necessary; required
underestimation; undervaluation
origin; source; history; originally; from the start; by nature
to kill (a human) using a blade (sword, machete, knife, etc.); to slice (off); to lop (off); to cut (off)
gear; speed (e.g. 4-speed transmission)
to look down on; to treat with contempt; to treat disparagingly; to sneer at
to push into; to cram into; to stuff into; to break in; to burgle; to burglarize
output (electrical, signal, etc.)
grounding (in a skill or subject); knowledge; training; achievements; attainments; accomplishments
election; selection; choice
to be outdone (by); to be in inferior (to); to compare unfavorably (with); to be behind
if one is unlucky; if one is careless
genius; prodigy; natural gift
that is to say; so that means
district; region; the country; countryside; civilian society
Heaven's blessing; gift of nature; natural resources
doubt; question; uncertainty; skepticism; scepticism; suspicion
essential; important; crucial; vital; main
in that respect; on that point; in that regard
innocence; guiltlessness; absence of the fact; insubstantiality; (arch.) insincerity; (arch.) dishonesty
that is to say; that is; in short; in brief; clogging; obstruction; shrinkage
to precede; to forestall; to anticipate
slowly (but steadily); gradually; irritatedly; impatiently; scorchingly (of the sun); sizzling (i.e. sound of frying in oil); sound of a warning bell, alarm clock, etc.
still; as yet; (not) yet; more; (more) still; at least
to raise; to lift; to boost; to enhance
recognition; acquaintance
plot; intrigue; scheme; conspiracy; agreement between two or more people to commit an unlawful act
dispatch; despatch; transmission; informing (e.g. of opinion); sharing (thoughts, etc.); telling