shield; buckler; escutcheon; pretext
unexpected; contrary to expectations; by chance; casual
to be touching; to be moving
stomach; Chinese "stomach" constellation (one of the 28 mansions)
to become thin; to lose weight; to reduce (one's) weight; to be barren; to be infertile; to be sterile
by all means; at any cost; whether (one is) willing or not; willingly or unwillingly; on no account; by no means
trouble; bother; annoyance
to be prolonged; to drag on
to be exhausted; to be tired out
direct; immediate; personal; firsthand
(one's) superior; (one's) boss; the higher-ups
section manager; section chief
sunset; sundown; end; close; year-end; end of the year
time; season; period; phase; stage
going out; outing; leaving (one's home, office, etc.)
to digest; to break down; to break to pieces; to be able to use; to be good at; to finish; to complete
one o'clock; once; at one time; for a time; for a while; a time
to cut one's way through; to tide over; to struggle through; to get over
heartbroken; crestfallen; dejected; disappointed
as you are aware; as you know
business conditions; the market; good (economic) times; prosperity; liveliness; energy
end; conclusion; last; final; no sooner than; once
to fold one's arms; to link arms with someone
to begin to say; to start talking; to broach (a matter); to be the first to say; to suggest (doing); to propose
please don't fuss over me; don't go to any trouble; don't bother
at once; immediately; right now
what's the best thing to do?; what to do?
bewilderment; perplexity; embarrassment; confusion
to work (for); to be employed (at); to serve (as); to act (as); to conduct a religious service
mid-range; mid-scale; mid-size
company employee; member of a corporation; company stockholder (esp. in legal contexts)
to visit; to call on; to arrive (season, time, situation, etc.); to come; (arch.) to make a sound; (arch.) to send a letter
this time; now; next time; another time; recently; lately
beginning; outset; first; onset