tempering (metal); annealing; forging; toughening; disciplining; training
(a) little; (a) few; slight; only; just; merely
change; variation; variety; diversity; inflection; declension
to memorize; to memorise; to learn; to pick up; to feel; to think
to see through; to see into (someone's heart, mind, etc.); to perceive; to find out; to detect
corresponding to (in meaning, function, etc.); being equivalent to; appropriate; suitable; to be proportionate to; to be in keeping with
skill; dexterity; master hand
this time; now; next time; another time; recently; lately
youthful; young; young-looking
to refuse; to reject; to inform; to give notice; to ask leave; to excuse oneself (from)
thinking; thought; idea; notion; intention; plan
to change; to alter; to reform; to correct; to examine; to check
it is assuredly that ...; can say with confidence that ...
future (usually near); prospects
image (in one's mind); impression; (computer) image; depiction (e.g. of a product); rendition
to give up; to abandon (hope, plans); to resign oneself (to)
honestly speaking; in truth; in all honesty; to be frank
go that far; to that extent
when it comes to ...; where ... is concerned; if it's the case that ...; if it turns out that ...; if it's true that ...
evaluation criteria; evaluation standard
to start; to begin; to start up (a business, society, etc.); to open (e.g. a store); to start ...; to begin to ...
don't you think?; indicates question
pigtails; bunches; two ponytails; angel wings
a head (e.g. taller or shorter); noticeable difference (in competitors' results)
of tender years; very young
it does not mean that ...; I don't mean that ...; it is not the case that...
lovely; dear; beloved; pitiable; pathetic; piteous
unintentionally; unconsciously; by mistake; heedlessly; against one's better judgement (judgment)
to fire (gun, arrow, questions, etc.); to shoot; to set free; to release; to emit (e.g. light); to give off (e.g. a scent)
use; adoption; acceptance; appointment; employment; engagement
to go out to meet; to receive; to welcome; to accept (e.g. as a member of a group or family); to call for; to summon
suddenly; in a flash; rapidly; attractive; distinguished; showy
light; well-lit; bright (of a colour); brightly-coloured; cheerful; bright; encouraging (for the future of a project, etc.)
storm; tempest; uproar; hullabaloo; storm (e.g. of protest)
spectators; onlookers; members of the audience
future prospects; promise
riddle; puzzle; enigma; enigmatic; mysterious
to return; to come back; to turn over; to become extremely; to become completely