first match (in a series)
(not) anywhere; nowhere; everywhere; anywhere
replacement; substitution; change; shunting (rail); switching
mark; symbol; to mark; to put a mark on; trademark; paying attention to; focusing on
decorative black flagpole tassel made from tail hair (of a yak, horse, ox, etc.) or dyed hemp
to succeed; to relieve; to take the place of; to substitute for; to be exchanged; to change (places with)
separate room; another room; special room; (arch.) concubine (of a noble)
rotation; making the rounds; spreading; effect; efficacy; by way of; via
to become better; to improve
to roughen (e.g. one's attitude); to raise (one's voice)
one step higher; one better; cut above; one up
to dodge; to evade; to avoid; to sidestep
to cut deep into; to cut one's way into (an enemy position); to rush on; to press someone hard (e.g. with questions); to get to the heart of (a matter)
a head (e.g. taller or shorter); noticeable difference (in competitors' results)
to surpass; to outdo; to excel; to tower above (the surrounding landscape)
point spread; point difference
gradually; by degrees; little by little; steps; stairs; staircase
clever; shrewd; canny; smart; quick; prompt
amateur; layman; respectable woman (i.e. not a prostitute, hostess, geisha); (arch.) unlicensed prostitute
considerable; great; important; significant; a big deal
you bastard!; you son of a bitch!
(shout of) encouragement; cheering; rooting; support
hard fight; close game; struggle; tight contest
brilliance; luster; lustre; vividness; life
to try to unsettle someone; to throw off balance
technology; engineering; technique; skill; art; craft
unripe; green; inexperienced; immature; unskilled
to take advantage (of somebody's weaknesses, carelessness, etc.); to impose on
gap; space; break; interlude; chink (in one's armor, armour); chance
substantial matter; significant item
to assume the air of ...; to behave like ...; to put on airs; to be self-important
(powers of) concentration; ability to concentrate
to throw into disorder; to disarrange; to disturb (order, peace, etc.); to corrupt (public morals); to dishevel (hair)
posture in which the legs are firmly planted (in sumo and judo)
to catch up (with); to draw level; to pull even; to be compensated; to make up for one's losses
goal; basket (basketball); finishing line; Gaul
to gain on; to put pressure on; to close in on
disorder; disturbance; unrest
emotional strength; force of will