a few years ago; some years back
vague; ambiguous; shady; disreputable; fuzzy
to insist; to assert; to be obstinate in saying
by (means of); by doing; due to; via; through
to struggle in the water; to be drowning; to sink below the surface and become unable to breathe; to indulge in; to lose one's head over something; to be addicted
plan to overcome an obstacle or break out of a deadlock; breakthrough solution
racing (of an engine); idling; spinning (without grabbing; of wheels); going round in circles (of an argument, discussion, etc.); going nowhere; being fruitless
moderate (degree); proper (amount); temperate; suitable
aerobic exercise; cardio exercise
club activities; extracurricular activities
one's speciality; one's forte; one's strong point
both (people); the two of them
passage (of people or vehicles); passing (through); traffic; common usage; widespread use
to stand aside; to step to the side; to move aside
yikes!; eek!; ook; eek; customer
to jump up; to leap up; to spring up
to lay bare; to expose; to reveal
rough; crude; sloppy; miscellaneous
youth; adolescence; springtime of life
serious look (on one's face); straight face
oh my god!; oh my gosh!; you got me!; wow!
sample; example; specimen; display model (e.g. plastic food models used by restaurants)
to be lacking in options; to be too few
flatly rejecting; curtly refusing; beating easily; defeating handily; one kick
inside story; the real story (behind something); story not generally known
getting stuck in a rut; becoming stereotyped
to serve as a reference; to provide useful information; to be helpful; to be informative; to be instructive
autograph; signature; sign; signal; indication
notebook; memo pad; certificate; identification card
cover (of a book, magazine, etc.); binding; to appear on the cover of a magazine
arrowhead; target of a flying arrow; brunt (of an attack); the very moment (when); the point (of doing)
oscillation; vibration; swing (e.g. of a pendulum)
to compose; to write; to author
script reading; scenario reading; avid reader; bookworm; reading a book; reading books
to go to meet (someone); to go to pick up
to roll in; to tumble into; to visit (esp. to stay overnight as an unwanted guest); to fall in one's way; to fall into one's lap
to go on a trip; to go out to play; to go and visit (a friend)
walking; strolling; roaming; wandering; exploring
looking for (a suitable thing or person); searching for; hunting out; picking out; shopping around for; searching (a place)
objection; refutation; rebuttal; counterargument