to become rounded; to roll into a ball
crisply; with a crunch; refreshingly; sharply; candidly; frankly
mere shadow of one's former self; having no trace left (of former glories, talent, looks, etc.); unrecognizable (as the person one used to be); unrecognisable
shield; buckler; escutcheon; pretext
to be helpful; to help; to be of assistance; to come in handy
light; well-lit; bright (of a colour); brightly-coloured; cheerful; bright; encouraging (for the future of a project, etc.)
requital of a favour (favor); repayment (of an obligation, kindness, etc.)
powerful; strong; forceful; reassuring; encouraging
irritating; irritated; frustrating; vexing; (feeling things are) not quick enough; (feeling) too slow-going
favour; favor; obligation; debt of gratitude
tune; tone; vein; mood; condition; state of health
still; much more; (not) yet; still a long way to go; still a long way off; not there yet
to become known; to come to light; to be known; to be understood; to clearly not amount to much; to be insignificant
to close one's eyes partly; to squint; to smile with one's whole face; to look fondly at
surely; undoubtedly; sternly; severely; having no slack; rigid
danger; peril; hazard; risk
after all is said and done; no matter what people say; in the end; definitely; undeniably
to help; to assist; to aid; to contribute to; to be a factor in
trembling; getting nervous; excited; thrilled
to hang; to suspend; to hang oneself; to hoist an opponent off of his feet by his loincloth; to turn upwards (as if being pulled); to be slanted (of eyes)