middle of the night; dead of night
(giving) birth; childbirth; native (of); product of; produced in; assets
to finish knitting; to lace from bottom to top; to finish compiling (e.g. a dictionary); to finish editing
using one's fingers as a comb; combing one's hand through one's hair
if anything; if pushed I'd say; if I had to say
fluent (in a language); flowing
reddish tinge; tinge of red; slight redness; reddishness; blush
wine and women; sensual pleasures; dissipation
time; labour; payment (for labour); pay; tedious job; troublesome job
to avoid; to refrain from; to shun; to detest
hailing each other; acting in concert; responding (to); agreement; concord
consenting to; agreeing to; understanding; being convinced of; being satisfied
Benelux; Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg)
start; beginning; starting (e.g. a race); departing; starting point
to let down one's guard; to relax one's guard
flaunting; showing off; display (of power, wealth, etc.); ostentation
residing; living; dwelling
stretching a rope around; roping off; one's turf; domain; territory (of an animal)
violation (of foreign territory, rights, etc.); invasion; infringement
class; heading; group; category
office and rank; an official rank
hanging loosely; dangling limply
destructive blast; blowing up; explosion
brush (for painting, basting, etc.)
to take offense (at); to take offence (at); to feel hurt (by)
but; however; although; though
different opinion; objection
in a subdued voice; in undertones; in a whisper; dry and tasteless; stale