(fictional) character; character; personality; persona
to make a cynical remark (about); to make a sarcastic remark (about); to satirize; to mock
extent of (one's) foolishness; degree of stupidity
just this side of; one step short of; on the brink
meeting face-to-face; seeing in person; facing (each other); opposing (traffic, etc.); confronting
to keep standing; to stand motionless
in the middle of something; busy with something; in commotion as a result of something untoward happening; currently importing or capturing data
timidly; nervously; with nervous diffidence; trembling with fear
to (make something) quiver; to shake; to tremble; to vibrate
to turn back; to go back; to come back; to return; to retrace one's steps
recovery; undoing; recall
to put (into); to put away (in); to include (in an anthology, catalogue, etc.); to contain; to achieve (results, success, etc.); to obtain; to accept (a gift or money)
to ask; to enquire; to inquire; to search; to look for; to look into
remind me; I forget; was it?; was that what happened?
ripple; ring on the water; repercussions; Japanese slit drum; instrument made of iron with slits on top; makes a rippling sound
first of all; to begin with; probably; most likely; more or less (satisfactory); on the whole
thanks; gratitude; manners; etiquette; bow; reward
efforts; exertion; endeavour; assistance; services
representation; representative; exemplification; typification; leader; switchboard number
to interrupt (a story, etc.); to bend at the waist
talks (i.e. formal discussions); conference; meeting
near; close; close (in time); soon; close (relationship); friendly
postwar period; period after Second World War
nonparticipation; nonattendance
seat; location (of a gathering, etc.); place; position; post
to all be in attendance (at a meeting, etc.); to all gather together
eminent; prominent; distinguished; ringing (of metal); resonant (of a musical instrument)
face; honour; meld; lineup (of players participating in a mahjong game); attendees (e.g. at a meeting); members
about this time; about now
not only ... (but also); not just; as well as
participant; entrant; player; competitor
majority; more than half; most (of); mostly; largely; mainly
wave; billow; ups and downs; (something) advancing step by step; (something) surging forward inopposably; tendency
to make good one's escape; to get away; to outrun; to hold on (and win); to win narrowly
self-condemnation; self-reproach; self-accusation
to be worm-eaten; to be eaten by worms; to affect adversely; to spoil; to ruin
meeting; assembly; party; society; association; club
to clatter; to rattle; to flap (noisily); to get in a panic; to get in a flap; to rush around