circumstances; sequence of events; how things got this way; details; particulars
(even) if only a little; to some extent; in the slightest way
opinion; intention; thought
to convey; to report; to transmit; to communicate; to tell; to impart
to be nearing death; to be dying
preface; introduction; preamble
quarrel; brawl; fight; squabble; scuffle; argument
expectation; anticipation; forecast
whim; caprice; fancy; capricious; fickle; whimsical
play; sport; fun; caprice; joke; jest
killing time; keeping oneself occupied; wasting time; waste of time
to hear; to listen (e.g. to music); to ask; to enquire; to hear about; to hear of; to follow (advice, order, etc.)
one move (in go, shogi, etc.); only way; only means; doing alone; doing single-handed
long ago; once upon a time
to be like-minded; to have the same goal
one or two; a couple; a few; first and second (place); the top two
to interrupt (with frivolous remarks, silly jokes, etc.); to butt in; to make teasing remarks
mutually; with each other; reciprocally; together
respect; esteem; reverence; honour; honor
goal; target; aim; mark; sign; landmark
on one occasion; once; at one point; at one time
to lend an ear (to); to hear out; to listen to
will; resolution; kindness; goodwill; gift (as a token of gratitude)
implementation (e.g. of a system); materialization; materialisation; realization; realisation; actualization
pushing forward (undaunted); pushing on (toward a goal); striving (for)
to be exhausted; to be tired out; to be worn out
passing each other; missing (meeting) each other; failing to meet; (being at) cross purposes; discrepancy
story; tale; narrative; account; fable; legend
elaborate; delicate; exquisite
original; unique (e.g. product); signature; exclusive
behavioral principle; principle (value) governing one's conduct
head (of a household, etc.); leader; owner; proprietor; subject (of a rumour, etc.); doer (of a deed); guardian spirit (e.g. long-resident beast, usu. with mystical powers)
to be contrary (to); to go against; to infringe; to violate; to disobey (an order, teachings, etc.); to defy
oh; ah; if there is; as for that; that is
odd; strange; queer; weird; bizarre
your Excellency; his Excellency; her Excellency
as planned; according to plan
office (e.g. the Oval Office)
high-class; high-grade; high-quality; high-ranking; high-level; senior