to compare (something) to; to liken; to speak figuratively; to use a simile; to use a metaphor
position (where one is standing); place where one stands; position; stance; standpoint
to think constantly about; to dwell on
sense of values; values; value system
to feel down; to feel sad; to be in a slump (business, economy, etc.); to be in an unfavourable condition; to fall into (e.g. a hole)
to go up the stairs; to climb the stairs
as it is; plain (truth); bare; undisguised; unvarnished; unexaggerated
to spout out; to spurt out; to sprout; to bud; to burst into laughter; to blow (smoke, etc.)
my goodness!; good lord!; holy cow!
serious look (on one's face); straight face
sensible; clever; smart; decent; tasteful
to pretend to be tough; to put on a brave front; to whistle in the dark; to bluff
easily; readily; with ease; without trouble
The Nutcracker (ballet by Tchaikovsky)
classical music; classic; classical; classic (work); the classics
generally; in the main; (more or less) everything; all parts; ordinary; usual
composition (of music); setting; writing music
to puzzle over; to think deeply about; to rack one's brains over (wrack)
beginning; clue; starting point
to become possible; to become able to (do)
presumptuous; impertinent; impudent; ridiculous; laughable; absurd
announcement; presentation; demonstration; displaying; showing; introducing
to pick a fight; to pick a quarrel
older sister; elder sister; young lady; miss; ma'am
to hold in one's mouth; to bring with; to take along
(practical) application; putting to practical use; applied (e.g. physics, linguistics, research)
at this juncture; after all this time; at this stage; now
to be no match for; to not hold a candle to
to swoop down; to glide down; to fly down; to land gently (on); to alight (on)
to be born (with); to be born (to be); to be destined
child prodigy; infant genius; wonder child
winning a prize; receiving an award; being awarded
picture dealer; commercial art gallery