though it seems big, it's a small world
trying out a new sword or blade (originally on someone, but now on soaked straw targets)
weakening; emaciation; decline
to pile up; to make a heap; to lay (e.g. bricks); to acquire (e.g. experience); to build (a reputation)
belief; faith; conviction
humanity; empathy; kindness; human nature; common sense; customs and manners
unfavourable comparison; unfavorable comparison
blunt (e.g. sword); dull; lazy; cowardly; good for nothing
to pop off; to pop out; to fly off; to shoot off; to burst open
to ask elsewhere; to try another (store, service, etc.)
zip; ping; zing; zoom; whoosh
to go flying along; to move fast (against the wind)
manageable; tractable; easy to care for; easy to deal with; easy to handle
performance; trick; feat; extraordinary deed; daring act; bold move
to play a dirty trick; to use underhanded methods; to hit below the belt; to play foul
(cannot) possibly; (not) by any means; (not) at all; utterly; absolutely
firmly; solidly; heartily
compensation; amends; redeeming feature
to close down a business; to shut a business
unknown; unidentified; unspecified
new student; freshman; first-year student
first-year student; first-year pupil; beginner; novice; annual; annual plant
new employee; freshman employee; new hire
veteran (in a particular field); person with a lot of experience; old hand
nucleus; backbone; medium-level; mid-level; main body (of troops); crack troops
senior; veteran; old-timer
does not match (one's, its) appearance
independence; self-reliance; independence (e.g. of a nation); freedom; separation; isolation
to break the ice; to broach a subject; to bring up a topic
to house; to contain; to carry (a baby); to be pregnant; (arch.) to give lodging to; (arch.) to accommodate
to bring up under one's personal care
cast-off skin (snake, insect, etc.); husk; empty shell; exuvia; exuviae
to be affectionate to; to treat tenderly; to show favouritism to; to be partial to; to fondle; to caress