laying the groundwork; behind-the-scenes maneuvering; consensus-building process; digging around the roots of a tree (before transplanting)
two sly characters outfoxing each other; (lit.) a fox and a raccoon dog fooling each other
like-mindedness; (being of the) same mind; shared sentiment; comrade; fellow; kindred soul
outward appearance; looks
enduring something out of pride; putting up with it; grinning and bearing it
tanuki (Nyctereutes procyonoides); raccoon dog; sly dog; sly old fox; sly fox
bottomless; unlimited; immeasurable; inexhaustible
to become familiar with; to get used to; to become accustomed to; to come to fit; to go (well) with; to suit
passage (of people or vehicles); passing (through); traffic; common usage; widespread use
to gain knowledge; to be illuminated; enlightening; informative; illuminating
something like that; sort of like that; similar to that; in that vein
unfit; unsuitable; unmarketable
to take down in notes (meeting minutes, etc.); to apply (concepts, ideas, etc. to specific processes or methods); to drop into something (e.g. a bag); to entice; to lure
friend; ally; supporter; taking sides (with); supporting; standing by
soldier; combatant; warrior
news; tidings; information; correspondence; letter
first thing after rising; as soon as getting up
dressing up in fine clothes; splendid clothes; one's best clothes
reservation; putting on hold; deferment; withholding
number of persons; personnel
waterpower; running water; falling overboard; draining (of a rice paddy before harvest)
wall of people; crowd of people lined up (e.g. spectators); throng of people
reason; cause; history; origin
seniority; precedence; upper seat
Qing dynasty (of China; 1644-1912); Ch'ing dynasty; Manchu dynasty
Shinto priest; Shinto priesthood
to follow (a rule, precedent, etc.); to conform to (the law, standards, etc.); to be proportionate to; to correspond to; to be equivalent to
belonging to (a group, organization, etc.); affiliation (with); being attached to; being under the control of; serving (in the military, congress, etc.)
side (esp. of a waterbody); edge; bank; shore
headgear (esp. one made of cloth); hood; kerchief; tokin (headgear worn by yamabushi)
frost columns; ice needles
approximately; about; promise; appointment; shortening; reduction
be absorbed in deep thought; be sunk in thought
smelt fishing (esp. on a frozen lake); smelt ice fishing
yuzu (Citrus ichangensis x C. reticulata)
temporary; provisional; interim; special; extraordinary; extra
finishing blow; coup de grâce
lowering a fever; alleviation of fever
in the meantime; meanwhile