voluntary; optional; free; elective
to be dying; to be about to die; to be close to death
to marry (of a woman); to become a bride; to marry into (a family); (arch.) to have sexual intercourse
don't worry about it; forget about it
purpose; utility; objective; way to use something
dark; gloomy; depressed; dispirited; dark (in colour); dull; ill-boding
understanding and acceptance; spiritual awakening; a heart that understands truth; (feeling of) resignation
by return; (call or write back) without delay; lapel; cuff; going back; returning; chorus
subject; theme; homework; assignment; task; challenge
to laugh at; to ridicule; to mock; to make fun of; to sneer at
ban (e.g. on smoking); prohibition
grant; bestowal; giving something to someone of low social standing (by a person of very high social standing)
inner palace (reserved for women); harem; seraglio; consort of the emperor
secret art; the mysteries
to create a breeding ground for future problems; to turn a blind eye to future trouble; to allow for something to come back and bite one in the ass (in the future)
to be frugal; to be sparing; to value; to hold dear; to regret (e.g. a loss); to feel sorry (for)
banning of books; banned book
one's body alone; having nothing except one's body; just oneself (with no belongings)
putting one's life on the line; staking one's life (on); risking one's life; life and death situation
doesn't amount to doing (something); not significant enough to require (something); unnecessary
to tear to pieces; to tear to shreds; to pick (e.g. fruit); to pluck; to do ... heavily; to do ... heartily
to be disgusted with; to run out of patience; to fall out of love
restoration (to original state or location); reconstruction; reversion
secretly; in secret; unseen; unobserved; inwardly; in private
price; cost; charge; consideration (in a contract)
reorganization; reorganisation; reshuffle
catalogue; catalog; inventory; certificate indicating an impending gift
riskiness; (level of) danger
to collect; to gather; to compile; to arrange; to settle
to deceive; to delude; to trick; to be as ... as ... (e.g. "as bright as day", "as beautiful as a rose")
to express (orally); to put into words; to say out loud
to be sufficient; to be enough; to be worth doing; to be worthy of; to do (the job); to serve
to be hairy (person); to be thickly bearded; to be dense (vegetation); to be thick; to be slow (person); to be dull
frost; white hair; grey hair; gray hair
brisk and efficient; diligent; devoted; spirited
to bother; to meddle; to poke one's nose (into another's business); to be too helpful
sake cup; cup for alcoholic beverages
to cross (e.g. road); to traverse