pitcher's first pitch (to batter)
flower; blossom; cherry blossom; beauty; blooming (esp. of cherry blossoms); ikebana; hanafuda
to break (into pieces); to be broken; to collapse; to crumble; to become less formal; to throw off reserve
(confronting a problem, etc.) head-on; directly; outright; (lit.) from the front
(direct) hit; hitting the mark
to sink (into); to cave in; to get stuck in
to fall to one's knees; to go down on one's knees (e.g. to express respect)
covering; protection; backing; relief
to turn towards; to point
to eat; to drink; to receive (e.g. a blow); to be on the receiving end (of something undesirable); to undergo (trouble)
to feel giddy; to totter; to be unfixed (emotions, beliefs, etc.); to waver; to wander aimlessly; to loiter
the front; honesty; uprightness; decency; normality
shaking; trembling; pitching; disturbance; unrest; agitation
to mind; to care about; to be an issue; to matter; to keep company; to care for; to interfere with
vigilance; caution; alertness; precaution; being on guard
to defend against; to protect against; to prevent; to avert; to avoid
bone; frame; outline; core; backbone; spirit
surplus; margin; leeway; composure; placidity; complacency
there's no (other) way; cannot be helped; unavoidable; it's no use (doing); pointless; hopeless (person)
to leap out (e.g. onto the stage); to spring out; to jump (e.g. into first place); to shoot (e.g. to the top); to come to the forefront
to change into; to convert into; to transform; to be reduced; to influence; to improve (someone)
unhurt; uninjured; flawless (e.g. gem); unblemished; spotless (e.g. reputation); faultless (e.g. performance)
worn-out; ragged; crumbling; dry and crumbly; falling (in drops or clumps); scattering
close combat; close(-quarter) fighting; in-fighting
rushing into; breaking into; storming; plunging into (war, etc.); embarking on (a new venture)
to snatch away; to dispossess; to steal
somewhat large; of a larger size; on the large size; large swing (bat, racquet, etc.); long sweeping stroke
to avoid (physical contact with); to avoid (situation); to ward off; to avert; to put aside; to move out of the way
to be wounded; to get injured; to get hurt feelings; to get damaged; to get chipped
exhaustion; consumption; using up; dissipation; waste
getting closer; drawing nearer; being not much different; being near (age, skill, etc.); becoming close (i.e. friendly); becoming intimate
vital part (of the body); tender spot; key point; essential point; male crotch (as a target in fighting)
to fire from a job; to dismiss; to discharge; to behead
to emit; to spout; to spurt; to boil over
retreat; falling back; recession; waning; backspace (key)
knee; lap; knee and thigh (while sitting)
to crumble down; to tumble down; to fall in
overwhelming victory; crushing victory; sweeping victory; landslide victory