to be wounded; to get injured; to get hurt feelings; to get damaged; to get chipped
certain; sure; definite; reliable; sound; solid
to prepare oneself (for the worst); to resolve oneself
to wager; to bet; to risk; to stake; to gamble
original intention; initial resolution
refreshingly; with a feeling of relief; shapely; neatly; cleanly; without trouble; clearly
to be clear (of a sight, sound, colour, etc.); to be bright; to be clear-headed; to be alert; to look upbeat; to be perky; to master (a skill)
shrewdly; smartly; calculatingly; astutely; cunningly
to draw the line (between two situations); to make a clear distinction; to make it clear where one stands; to take clear responsibility for (mistakes, etc.)
invitation; introduction; temptation
most suitable; optimum; optimal; best
solution (of an equation, inequality, etc.); root (e.g. of a polynomial); solution (to a given problem); answer; explanation; interpretation
setting; installing; setting up (meeting, conference, etc.); stage setting; setting (of a novel, movie, play, etc.)
refreshing; exhilarating; invigorating; bracing
to live; to get along; to spend (time)
several years; a few years
development; growth; development (of a situation, story, etc.); advancement; playing around; having an active sex life
high-rise building; tower block; skyscraper
construction; establishment
restaurant (esp. Western-style)
in succession; one by one
circulation; rotation; cycle; loop
growing (graph rising to the right); expanding; soaring
to examine someone's expression
student (esp. a university student)
to come and go; to go back and forth
to be crowded with people; to be bustling with; to prosper; to flourish; to do thriving business
abundant; plentiful; rich; wealthy; open (mind); relaxed
social meeting place; watering hole