paying back in installments (instalments); amortization plan (amortisation); gradual progression (oft. into an unwanted state); doing little by little; proceeding in a continual and vague fashion; gradually obscuring
mild; calm; gentle; quiet; congenial; amicable
your; indicates high rank or status; indicates love and respect (usu. for an older person)
to allow; to let (someone) do; to make (someone) do
ridiculous; stupid; foolish; absurd; laughable
to hate the very sight (of); to hold a grudge (against); to treat (someone) like an enemy; to bear constant enmity (towards); to be gunning for; to have it in for
pet saying; favorite phrase; stock phrase; manner of talking
present (e.g. government, administration); current; existing
reason; significance; cause; piece of information that one has heard; I hear that ...; it is said that ...
to get to know each other; to make acquaintance
how admirably; how wonderfully; incredibly well; splendidly
perfect; ideal; completely satisfactory; leaving nothing to be desired; faultless; impeccable
quickly (e.g. pushing up one's glasses); with a light pull; with a sharp tug (e.g. at a sleeve)
profit; gains; benefit; advantage; grace (of God, Buddha, etc., esp. as attained through rightful actions, prayer, adherence to one's faith, etc.); blessing
opening (one's mouth) wide; saying "aah"; crying loudly; wailing; bawling
to one's regret; regrettably; unfortunately; what can be done about ...; ... cannot be helped
older sister; elder sister
limbs; arms and legs; body
pearls thrown before swine; unused possession; useless possession; waste of talent
to chuckle to oneself; to gloat (over)
physical strength; muscle strength
wainscoting; wainscotting; wood paneling
top recommendation; something highly recommended
to be turned up; to be lifted up (e.g. by the wind)
to slip down; to slide down; to glide down
sensational; inflammatory; incendiary; (sexually) suggestive; lascivious
leaving; quitting; retiring
appointment; nomination; ordination; commission; designation
to conceal; to keep secret; to cover up
even though; despite; notwithstanding
to be to the point; to be pertinent
selecting a suitable person; personnel selection
strongly; violently; with all one's strength