one's favourite party trick (favorite); one's specialty; No. 18; eighteenth; repertoire of 18 kabuki plays
shortness of breath; panting; puffing; running out of steam (e.g. economy); losing momentum
third party; third person; outsider; disinterested person
who on earth; just exactly who; who the heck
protecting (someone); defending; standing up for
little finger; pinky; little toe
exhaustion; consumption; using up; dissipation; waste
morning; forenoon; just before noon
it's best to; it's safest to; there's nothing better than
by today; before the day is over
Herculean task; next-to-impossible undertaking
clean; hygienic; sanitary; pure; virtuous; immaculate
pitiful; pathetic; painful to look at
to rinse; to wash out; to have one's revenge; to wipe out a disgrace
that much; as much; to that extent; only that; that alone; no more than that
middle of the night; dead of night
things on hand; things in stock; money on hand; money in one's wallet; on hand; in stock
inferior goods; faulty item
on hand; readily available
husband; groom; (one's) son-in-law
all night long; all through the night
to take (someone) to one place after another (forcibly); to drag (someone) around
something long; useless things; white elephant; boondoggle
famous sword; excellent sword
regular customer; valued client
guest of honor; guest of honour; good customer; important customer
guest; visitor; customer; client; shopper
request; commission; entrusting (with a matter); dependence; reliance
length of a blade (sword, knife, etc.); walking on the edge of a sword
tightly; closely; exactly; precisely; suddenly (stopping); perfectly (suited)
cause for concern; reasons for uneasiness
ritual stamping in the ring; lineup; appearance together
nasty; disgusting; detestable; unpleasant; disagreeable; creepy
care of (e.g. address on letter); c/o; encouragement; bringing around; stimulant; tonic
ordinary person; unenlightened person
to grant permission; to give permission