veteran (in a particular field); person with a lot of experience; old hand
to obtain; to come into possession of; to get hold of; to get one's hands on
government; administration; ministry
armed forces; military; troops
the past; bygone days; one's past (that one would prefer remained secret); past (tense); preterit; previous life
at that time; in those days
influence; power; might; influence (of stones)
(political) power; authority; influence
to worry about; to be anxious about; to be concerned about; to lament; to grieve; to mourn
important person; influential figure; big shot; big thing; big one; big game
meaning; point (e.g. of a statement); gist; goal; intent; object
to lean (on, against); to rest (against); to recline; to rely on (someone); to depend on
hearsay; learning by hearsay
to become familiar with; to get used to; to become accustomed to; to come to fit; to go (well) with; to suit
radiant smile; contented smile
micro-mini; very short (esp. clothing); very small
culottes (esp. short divided skirt)
border; boundary; border; edge; horizontal stripes; boarder (e.g. snowboarder, skateboarder)
every time; whenever; as; whether; in (either case)
to well up (of tears, anger, joy, etc.); to surge up (within oneself); to rise; to feel nauseated; to feel sick
complete devotion; body and soul; one's best
very; greatly; much; just about to; almost; very nearly
skillful; skilful; delicious; tasty; good (deal, idea, etc.); profitable
to ring; to sound; to be popular; to be esteemed; to state; to insist
to receive; to get; to eat; to drink; to be crowned with; to wear (on one's head)
time; labour; payment (for labour); pay; tedious job; troublesome job
(public) notice; attention; public eye; public gaze
to look at; to gaze; to stare at
supply; supplying; replenishment
demonic; devilish; satanic; diabolic
to be in the news; to be talked about; to become a popular topic of conversation; to become the talk of the town; to become topical
not caring; not giving a damn
lodger who pays nothing for room and board; freeloader; sponger
to be kind to; to treat kindly
(laughing) foolishly; (smiling) thoughtlessly; indiscreetly (talking); carelessly (speaking); thin (paper, cloth, etc.); flimsy
to raise one's voice; to shout; to yell; to speak up (e.g. in protest); to speak one's mind
freedom; free; open; unrestricted
middle of the night; dead of night
noisily (playing a musical instrument); doing something on and on