several steps; much (better, higher, etc.); several cuts (above)
degassing; gas drainage; gas venting; letting off steam; giving vent to one's frustrations; cooling off
key to a solution; first step toward a solution; thread to unravel a mystery
artifact; relic (of a past civilization); relic (of a former age); vestige of a bygone era; anachronism; outdated thing
independence; self-reliance
to be suspicious of; to be doubtful of; to be dubious of
(there is) no sign (of); leaving no trace; nowhere to be seen
extravagant; lavish; opulent; luxurious; magnificent; splendid
sinking; foundering; getting dead drunk; having too much fun (esp. in a red-light district, etc.) and missing work or neglecting one's duties; staying in one place for a long time
to bear responsibility for; to be liable for; to answer for; to take the blame for
ineptitude and inaction; being incapable of devising any appropriate measures to cope with the situation
no matter what; whatever happens; in any situation; rain or shine
parents' ability (or inability) to let go of their children
paying for one's mistakes; getting one's just deserts; suffering the consequences (of one's own actions); reaping what you sow; making a rod for one's own back
change; alternation; rotation; replacement; substitution; shift
successor; replacement; second wife
public opinion poll; straw poll
opposition party; the opposition
change of government; regime change
neighborhood; neighbourhood; vicinity; neighborhood; neighbourhood
desperate; frantic; excited; worked up; heated; eager
concentration (of efforts, forces, etc.); gathering together; regimentation; marshalling; mobilization
best one could ask for; just what one wants; welcome (news); heaven-sent
to jump at; to leap at; to fly at; to spring at; to pounce on
if there is a chance; if possible; if circumstances permit; if things go well; if luck is on my side
exceeding one's authority; abusing one's legal authority; ultra vires activities
evasion; excuse; subterfuge; runaround
submitting to (a demand, one's fate, etc.); putting up with; resigning oneself to; accepting (without complaint)
self-evident truth; obvious fact; truism; axiom
foolish; imbecile; feebleminded
to coquet (of a woman); to entice a customer (of a prostitute); to flatter; to butter up
outsider; one not included in the favored group; outside daimyo; non-Tokugawa daimyo
colleague; workmate; comrade; coworker
out of character; unlike one
latent disposition; inner feelings
the other day; a few days ago
estimate (of costs); budget