secret manoeuvres (maneuvers); operating behind the scenes
superior (in rank); top; higher order (e.g. byte); host computer (of connected device)
upper level; upper grade; high rank; advanced level; senior level; upper class
to be within one's capabilities; to be easy to chew
terrible; terrifying; dreadful; astonishing; astounding; staggering
in order; in turn; one by one
dragon (esp. a Chinese dragon); naga; semi-divine human-cobra chimera in Hindu and Buddhist mythology; promoted rook
ghost; apparition; phantom; spectre; specter; demon
lower grade; low class; junior (officer)
graded on N steps; scored out of N
to call; to name; to call oneself ...; to go by the name of ...; to purport (to be); to profess
vanguard; advance-guard point; advance detachment; vanguard; pioneer; avant-garde
to be defeated; to be beaten; to be unsuccessful; to lose
to (see and) choose; to select; to diagnose (as); to judge; to estimate; to liken (to)
one or two; a couple; a few; first and second (place); the top two
to compete; to contest; to quarrel; to argue; to deny (e.g. evidence)
ability; competency; talent; skill; capacity
absolute best; very finest; top-class; first-rate; elite
innermost secrets (of an art or skill); mysteries; essence; heart
law; act; method; mood; dharma; law
to handle (men); to master (a tool); to manage; to acquire a command of (a language)
to be conceivable that; to be thinkable that
perhaps; possibly; by some chance; by some possibility
to serve; to work for; to attend
just like that; quite so; I agree; that street
faithful; devoted; loyal; honest; true
to mutter; to murmur; to grumble; to tweet; to post on Twitter
perhaps; maybe; perchance; by some chance; by any chance
regarding; in; to; towards; with regards to
trump; trump card; ace up one's sleeve; secret weapon
regrettable; unfortunate; disappointing; vexing
master; teacher; stable master
to destroy; to demolish; to disturb; to put into disorder; to relax (one's pose); to make oneself at ease; to break (a bill)
inner thoughts; real intention; at heart; deep down; inner center (centre)
hope; wish; aspiration; (bright) prospects; expectation
to keep (something) a close secret; to hide (the truth, one's pain, etc.); to keep hidden
duty; responsibility (incl. supervision of staff); liability; onus
to be upset; to lose one's composure; to lose self-control; to put in disorder; to mess up; to disturb