to torment; to pain; to inflict (physical) pain; to harass; to cause (emotional) pain; to afflict
(place) right in the center; dead center; dead centre; exact middle; heart
naked; bare; uncovered; frank; open; blunt
fate; destiny; connection; tie; pretext; justification
post horse; mounted courier; express messenger on horseback; fast horse; swift horse
entrusting (everything to); leaving (a matter) entirely with
how much; how many; however
apprehensive; vaguely fearful; gloomy (about the future); somewhat alarmed
to look after; to take care of; to be put in charge of; to be given responsibility for; to withhold (an announcement); to reserve (judgment)
lodging; inn; house; home; home of a servant's parents (or guarantor, etc.)
hint; suggestion; clue; suggestion
to trap (into a difficult situation); to put (in a fix); to capture (a castle, fortress, etc.); to take; to drop (something) into
incredible; extraordinary; exceptional; phenomenal
sacrificial pawn; sacrificed piece; sacrifice
(slowly and) carefully; without haste; thoroughly; deliberately; closely; meticulously
to plead; to urge; to pester; to beg; to badger; to complain
to get hold of; to take possession of; to seize
to whinge; to kvetch; to gripe; to complain; to whine
guidance; lead; introduction; good offices; guide; primer
mole; whistle-blower; informant; adulterer; adulteress
to harm; to hurt; to fail to do; to do amiss; to almost do; to come close to doing
not knowing when to let go (give up, etc.); unwilling to resign; having lingering attachment; regretful
to part (usu. of people); to part from; to separate (of a couple); to break up; to lose (e.g. one's mother); to be bereaved
to wrinkle; to crinkle; to shrivel
contact network; phone tree; contact information for relevant people (in a given organization)
chance (of success); odds
meagre; meager; scarce; limited; destitute; hard up
out of the question; unthinkable; impossible
fetters; shackles; hobbles; encumbrance; hindrance; burden
farewell; adieu; goodbye; so long
to remain; to stay (somewhere)
overserious; deeply sincere; very earnest
both eloquent and skilled
to trick; to cheat; to deceive; to coax; to wheedle; to soothe
imprudence; indiscretion; thoughtlessness