characteristic (of); peculiar (to)
taking a long time; slowness; sluggishness; lack of firmness; looseness; slovenliness
to raise one's voice; to shout; to yell; to speak up (e.g. in protest); to speak one's mind
black; black stone; guilt; guilty person
coat; jacket; outerwear; top; upper-body garment
rest period; intermission; break time; recess
although I say; although one might say; although called
unrelated; irrelevant; unconcerned; unconnected
to let the tension out of one's shoulders; to relax; to not take oneself too seriously
carefree; comfortable; at ease; easygoing; happy-go-lucky
to say; to speak; to tell; to be called
moving forward (e.g. of a vehicle); onward movement; progress (of work, activities, etc.); advance; progression (of a disease, global warming, etc.); progression (e.g. chord progression)
to ask a question; to ask questions
as a matter of fact; to tell the truth
to throw out one's chest; to be puffed up with pride
to live (of humans); to reside; to inhabit; to dwell; to abide
to ask; to enquire; to query
had better ...; had better not ...
idea; plan; draft; rough copy; expectation; (arch.) desk
won't; hasn't; isn't; won't you
to deepen; to heighten; to intensify
interesting; fascinating; amusing; funny; enjoyable; fun
almost; nearly; hardly; barely; large majority; large proportion
distant (from someone); aloof; estranged; knowing little (of); ill-informed (about); ignorant (of)
to cock one's head in puzzlement; to tilt one's head in contemplation; to wrack one's brain; to think hard
interest (in something); curiosity (about something); zest (for)
something like ...; things like ...; someone like ...; the likes of ...
both (people); the two of them
surplus; margin; leeway; composure; placidity; complacency
to choke; to have trouble breathing
to bring up a subject; to touch on a matter
to freeze (from fear, etc.); to be unable to move (e.g. from surprise); to be paralyzed (with horror, etc.); to cower; to shrink in on oneself
embarrassing; embarrassed; ashamed; disgraceful; shameful
when one was a very young child; very early in one's life
busy place; busy street; place that's always bustling with people; amusement quarters
low spirits; depression; dejection; discouragement; despondency
to go; to come; to lose; to be defeated; to be stumped (by); to be at a loss; to visit (a shrine, grave, etc.)
to be at a complete loss; to be without recourse; to be completely stymied; to have absolutely no idea what to do
how about ...?; I wonder; I don't know
candidate; contender; prospect; candidacy; candidature; nomination
godsend; lifesaver; timely offer; windfall
listen!; you see; mind you; remember