it is ... that ...; precisely; although; while; it is precisely because ... that ...; only because ...
in comparison to; rather than
hands and feet; limbs; person at one's beck and call; person at hand; reliable worker
to become tense; to be tightened; to become firm (e.g. body)
glossy (e.g. hair); sleek; shiny; lustrous
crow (Corvus spp.); raven
counter for birds, rabbits, etc.
easy; simple; ready; casual; off-hand; easy-going
dark (skin, complexion, etc.); swarthy; tanned
to drop; to lose; to clean off (dirt, makeup, paint, etc.); to remove (e.g. stains or facial hair); to lose (a match); to reject (an applicant); to lower (e.g. shoulders or voice)
jaw; chin; barb (of a fishhook)
sharp (blade, image, mind, etc.); sharp; number sign; hash sign; mechanical pencil
craftsman; skilled artisan
to chip off; to scrape off; to prune
(not) ever; (not) by any means; (not) in the least; (not) in any way; (not) at all
on the contrary; far from it; if anything; in fact; instead
movements; behavior; behaviour; bearing; deportment; manners
intimidating air; sense of intimidation
to give (esp. to someone of lower status); to bestow; to provide; to afford; to assign; to cause
moderate; proper; just right
shadow; shade; shading; nuance; shades of meaning; subtleties
to make; to produce; to prepare (food); to brew (alcohol); to raise; to grow; to till
straight; quickly; quietly; gently; to feel refreshed; to feel satisfied
horizontal (as opposed to vertical); lying down; side-to-side (as opposed to front-to-back); width; side (of a box, etc.); beside
straight; as the crow flies
to tie; to bind; to bear (fruit); to close (e.g. deal); to confirm; to connect (two distant places); to close tightly
tradition; legend; folklore
samurai on horseback; (medieval) knight
abbreviation; omission; outline; gist; plan; strategy
to glitter; to glisten; to sparkle; to twinkle; to glare; to gleam
coat; tunic; jacket; outer garment
superior; first-class; excellent; (that's) just fine!; bring it on!
tailoring; dressmaking; sewing; making; preparation
sword (esp. a large, double-edged one); blade; bayonet; swordsmanship; stinger; ovipositor
scabbard; sheath; cap (on pen, brush, etc.); case; margin (between two prices); spread
complete devotion (to); total commitment (to); unvarying support (for); unwavering fixation (on); rigid preoccupation (with)