to start; to begin; to challenge; to pick (a fight); to set (traps); to plant (explosives)
when push comes to shove; when needed; when necessity arises; when the moment arrives
to rub; to crumple; to massage; to argue; to have a heated discussion; to train; to coach
to smash; to crush; to shut down; to put out of business; to wreck; to break; to butcher
to not take seriously; to take lightly
and so on; and so forth; et cetera; comment; criticism
outsider's perspective; as seen by an observer
sacred precincts; sanctuary; consecrated ground; issue that is regarded as being off-limits; matter that is not up for discussion
to advance; to move forward; to carry forward (plans, work, etc.); to proceed with; to raise; to elevate
temple; sacred place; shrine; sanctuary; tabernacle
opposition; rebellion; rebounding; recoiling; rally (e.g. in stock prices); recovery
public opinion; popular voice; public sentiment; consensus
armed forces; military; troops
influence; clout; leverage
civilized nation; civilised nation
unity of church and state; theocracy
letter (of alphabet); character; writing
to crown; to cap; to prefix with; to start with; to begin with
authorization; authorisation; acknowledgment; acknowledgement; certification; recognition
direct control; direct supervision
the point of ...; the place where ...; a place called ...; places known as ...; I would say ...; ... is how I'd put it
recently; lately; these days; nearest; closest
to be disordered; to be disarranged; to be discomposed; to be upset; to lapse into chaos (due to war, etc.)
vacant post; vacancy; post in name only
to rely on; to depend on; to count on; to turn to (for help)
both armies; both teams; both sides
to stop (moving); to come to a stop; to stop (doing, working, being supplied); to come to a halt; to alight; to perch on
consideration; concern; fear; worry; solicitude
for (e.g. "she dances well for an eight-year old"); considering it's (something or someone)
erasure; denial; obliteration; ignoring (an opinion)
because; the reason is; if you want to know why
state of reduced activity; lull; state of abeyance; stable condition
decision; determination; resolution
(at) any time; always; at all times; whenever
to some degree; up to a point; to some extent
war; battle; match; game; competition