trying to think of a way (to); devising means (to); working out (how to do); contriving (to raise money); managing
to knead; to thicken into a paste (stirring over a flame); to polish (a plan, etc.); to refine; to train; to drill; to gloss (silk)
whole day and night; 24 hours
immediate; prompt; quick; rapid; urgent; pressing
self-; from ...; this ... (in contrast to some other ...); aforementioned
territory (of country, feudal domain, etc.); (arch.) counter for suits of clothing, sets of armor, etc.
conscription; (military) draft; (compulsory) enlistment
to incline toward; to slant; to lurch; to go down (sun); to wane; to sink
paying back in installments (instalments); amortization plan (amortisation); gradual demolition; gradual erosion; gradual dismantlement
breaking down; defeating; abolishing
to have an idea; to have a clue
to get along; to hit it off; to be on the same page; to work well together; to synchronize
time of emergency; (in an) emergency
to make good one's escape; to escape to a safe place; to make one's getaway; to effect one's escape
one by one; one at a time; in turn
anti-; antithesis; fanqie; traditional Chinese spelling system in which two characters are used: the first one for the onset, the second one for rhyme and tone
beforehand; in advance; previously
to gain an advantage; to enjoy an advantage; to turn the tables (on)
to lie; to cheat; to pretend; to trick; to deceive
one by one; one each; one at a time
engagement; business; affair; use; need
plump; fleshy; well-rounded; pleasant (fragrance); rich
to undertake; to take on (task); to assure; to guarantee; to vouch (for)
not ... for nothing; not ... with nothing to show for it; worthwhile; no wonder ...
catercorner; diagonally opposite
unique; peculiar; special
sense of urgency; feeling of high tension
last night; the previous night; night before (Christmas, etc.); eve (of festival, major event, etc.)
arrest; apprehension; capture
in a whisper; in a low voice; in undertones
to watch intently; to stare
changing completely; transformation
to put on (of clothing); (lit.) to put (arms) through sleeves
to quieten down; to fall silent; to cease activities; to become inactive; to lie low
to be taken aback; to be astonished; to be dumbfounded
crown; diadem; bottle cap
what I want to say is ...; the fact of the matter is ...; none other than ...