government official; public official
to be lacking in options; to be too few
top brass; upper echelon; higher-ups; top management; upper reaches; top of the pile
to use one's influence; to pull strings; to take measures; to make the necessary preparations
peace; security; tranquility; tranquillity
to plan; to attempt; to plot; to conspire; to aim for; to strive for
the past; bygone days; one's past (that one would prefer remained secret); past (tense); preterit; previous life
based on; on the basis of
to spur on; to urge forward; to impel; to drive at high speed (e.g. a car)
permeation (of thought, ideology, culture, etc.); infiltration (e.g. of ideas); permeation (of a liquid, etc.); soaking; osmosis
inveigling; ensnaring; enticement; cajoling
the opposite sex; isomerism
to bend; to flutter; to wave; to yield to; to be swayed by; to bow to
threat; menace; coercion; terrorism
to do what one is told to; to take someone's advice; to listen to what someone says
strategy; stratagem; trick; scheme; plot
self-satisfied look; triumphant look; smug face; shit-eating grin
so much; so often; oh, yes!; that's it; that's right; quite
counterintelligence; counterespionage
draining basket (traditionally made of bamboo); colander; something full of holes; zaru soba; strong drinker; someone who can drink like a fish
to set free; to let go; to release; to miss (e.g. a chance); to lose; to let get away
evil deed; wrongdoing; crime; misfortune; calamity
to overflow; to brim over; to flood
scattered here and there; at intervals
poor; pitiful; piteous; pitiable
hiding place; hideout; refuge; retreat; hideaway
to dye; to colour; to color
to one's heart's content; as much as one wants; as hard as one can; resolution; decisiveness; determination
how should I put it?; what shall I say?; well, you know; like
to be effective; to take effect; to work; to function well; to be possible (to do, use, etc.); to be able to
to follow; to accompany; to cleave to; to join up with; to obey implicitly; to flatter
lack of expression; blank look (on one's face)
past middle age; nearing old age; near-elderly; age 40
younger brother; little brother; brother-in-law (spouse's younger brother or younger sister's husband); (arch.) pupil; (arch.) apprentice
registration; accession; register; entry; record