to hold one's breath; to catch one's breath
to fully understand and agree; to be convinced; to be fully satisfied (with an explanation)
... the heck (e.g. "what the heck?"); ... in the world (e.g. "why in the world?"); ... on earth (e.g. "who on earth?")
middle of summer; height of summer; midsummer
cumulonimbus; gigantic columns of clouds (in summer); thunderhead
stealthy footsteps; walking on tiptoe
gentle breeze; soft wind; breath of air; zephyr
right in the midst of; right at the height of
mark (for quick identification or recognition); sign; landmark; guide; (arch.) trademark
rapidly (e.g. progress, moving forward); growing visibly; quickly; steadily; by leaps and bounds
to travel on frequently (e.g. a road or path)
poisonous snake; poisonous serpent
to do something by choice; to like; to be fond of
knapsack; rucksack; backpack
nocturnality; nocturnal habits
escape; flight; breakout; fleeing; desertion
stale; old fashioned; hackneyed; trite; antiquated; obsolete
mouse; rat; dark gray; dark grey; slate (color, colour)
to contemplate; to ponder; to think long about; to turn over in one's mind
halfway up (down) a mountain; mountainside
looking away; looking aside
pitch dark; total darkness
ignorance; inexperience; unfamiliarity
to pin down; to immobilize; to immobilise; to control; to suppress
branch road; forked road; branch; crossroads (of a course of events); turning point; parting of the ways
clue; lead; key; handhold; hold
just as one thought; as usual; sure enough
yellow; high-pitched (voice); shrill
branch road; byroad; side street; digression
to tag along; to follow; to tail; to leave tracks; to leave footprints
to flow into; to pour into; to stream into
passage (of time); elapsing; progress; development; transit
rock; boulder; crag; cliff; anchor
electrically operated; electric powered
ingenious; skillful; clever; deft