beyond expectations; beyond what one expected; not foreseen; exceeding assumptions
dealing with; coping with
to be caught; to be captured; to be taken prisoner; to be seized with (fear, etc.); to be a slave to; to stick to
to master (e.g. a skill); to become accustomed to (e.g. a lifestyle); to acquire (e.g. a habit); to retain
simply; merely; only; solely
strong and weak points; likes and dislikes; strengths and weaknesses
to supplement; to make up for; to compensate for; to cover (a shortage, loss, etc.); to fill (e.g. a vacancy)
reserve; constraint; declining; refraining; forethought; foresight
person who studies very hard (at school); grind; swot; studying hard; cramming; swotting
to be jealous of; to envy; to begrudge
to mix; to combine; to exchange (words, fire, etc.); to cross (e.g. swords); to join together
once again; yet again; (there you go) again
concentration; diligence; asceticism; zeal in one's quest for enlightenment; adherence to a vegetarian diet
topic; subject; much talked about; topical; in the news
tactician; schemer; intriguer; resourceful person
eye; eyeball; eyesight; sight; look; stare; notice
to get lost; to become lost; to go astray
intuition; instinct; hunch
even if; even though; even; too; whether ... or ...; no matter (what, where, who, etc.)
destination (one is heading towards); goal
strategy meeting; council of war
to surround; to encircle; to besiege; to lay siege to; to play (go, shogi, etc.)
to get to the main subject; to move on to the main topic; to get down to business
I'm sorry; (it's) inexcusable; I feel regretful; thank you very much (for help, etc.)
Gifu Prefecture (Chūbu area)
choices; alternatives; options
line of defence (defense); lines (as in enemy lines, etc.)
long and large; tall and large; grand; huge
arrangement (of resources); deployment; stationing; posting; disposition; configuration
wide area; wide view (of a digitally displayed map); zoomed-out view
convenient; favorable; favourable; expedient; expedience
east and west; Orient and Occident; East and West; ladies and gentlemen!; your attention, please!
naming; christening; fiance; fiancee
following (a precedent, former policy, etc.); continuing with; sticking to; observing
Sekigahara (battle site, 1600); decisive battle; critical battle
to grow up; to become an adult; to become big; to grow in size
skeptical; sceptical; incredulous
to lower one's voice; to speak with a hushed voice
lack of policy; having no measures; lacking means
plan; policy; means; fifth principle of the Eight Principles of Yong; right upward flick