poor-quality; shoddy; unskillful; inexpert; unlucky
lie; fib; mistake; error; unwise move; bad decision
to swear; to vow; to take an oath; to pledge
old enemy; longtime enemy; arch-enemy; traditional rival; longstanding foe
stage; step; level; rank; order; stairs
professor; teaching; instruction
superficial; half-hearted; shallow
now that; since; so long as; because
the past; bygone days; one's past (that one would prefer remained secret); past (tense); preterit; previous life
pinch; crisis; tough spot; clothespin
gaining time; stalling for time; time-buying
I'm sorry; (it's) inexcusable; thank you very much (for help, etc.)