it's not like; it isn't as if
to scratch; to perspire; to shovel; to paddle
small profits and quick returns
to make it a principle to ...; to aim at doing
long-established shop; shop of long standing; old shop
personification; impersonation; embodiment
bustling; busy; crowded; lively (party, voices, etc.); loud; noisy
reception (desk); information desk; receipt; acceptance
procedure; process; proceedings; formalities
speciality; specialty; subject of study; expert; area of expertise
service; help; discount; discounted item; free service; freebie; service
simple; plain; modest; frugal; reserved
sure to ...; certain to ...; bound to ...; it's natural that ...
to laugh away; to laugh off
guest room (at a hotel); guest cabin (on a boat); passenger cabin (on a plane); drawing room
keeping an eye on people's belongings (so they don't get stolen)
to set (sun); to become dark
to overlook; to fail to notice; to miss (seeing)
verbal message; word (from someone)
moral support; emotional support; spiritual support
making money; making a profit
to get; to secure; to learn; to master; to complete
adhesive bandage; sticking plaster; band-aid
everyday conversation; day-to-day conversation
economic slump; hard times; poor (business); dull; gloomy; cheerless
prices of commodities; prices (in general); cost-of-living
transport; transportation
political situation; political affairs
basis for decision; evidence for judging
amount sold; sales; proceeds; takings; turnover
tending a store; salesperson; sales clerk; shop assistant
fierce look; frightening look; tough look; aggressive attitude; coercive attitude; taking a hard line
able; capable; competent; talented; efficient
tenant (esp. in contrast to a landlord); renter