in the first place; to begin with; after all; anyway; beginning; start
quick-wittedness; having tact; being sensible
to attach; to join; to furnish (a house with); to wear; to put on; to keep a diary; to make an entry
to defend against; to protect against; to prevent; to avert; to avoid
stern; grave; austere; strict (e.g. security); severe; firm
to appear uncomfortable (with); to seem to hate; to express dislike
reason; grounds; pretext; excuse; motive
to neglect; to be negligent in; to be neglectful of; to improve (of an illness); to get better
(one's) self; oneself; yourself; himself; herself
mistake; error; fault; slip; blunder; omission
trade; business; commerce; occupation; calling; profession
from the viewpoint of; according to
decisive; resolute; drastic
man of principle; man of firm character; man of steadfast beliefs
sweet-tasting; sweet; fragrant (smelling); sweet (music); lightly salted; light in salt; indulgent
station; office; guardroom
captain; commander; commanding officer; leader
arrowhead; target of a flying arrow; brunt (of an attack); the very moment (when); the point (of doing)
noisily (esp. the noise of heavy feet)
to be disordered; to be disarranged; to be discomposed; to be upset; to lapse into chaos (due to war, etc.)
to roll in; to tumble into; to visit (esp. to stay overnight as an unwanted guest); to fall in one's way; to fall into one's lap
to get slightly dirty (all over)
worn-out; ragged; crumbling; dry and crumbly; falling (in drops or clumps); scattering
someone's looks and personal appearance
bad; wrong; evil; no good; wicked; reprehensible
dark; gloomy; depressed; dispirited; dark (in colour); dull; ill-boding
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)
to collapse; to flop (onto)
to turn round; to face about; to turn about
else; in addition; besides
at once; immediately; right now
one copy (of a document); one letter; one-way traffic; pure straight; winning hand containing nine consecutive tiles of the same suit (i.e. 1-9)
head (of a household); proprietor (of a store); one's husband; (one's) employer; (one's) master; host
perusal; one reading; reading through (once)
to give birth; to bear (child); to lay (eggs); to produce; to yield; to give rise to
to write down; to note down; to mention; to describe; to inscribe; to mark
threat; menace; coercion; blackmail
wording (esp. of written text); classical Chinese literary style; traditional written Chinese