preference; priority; precedence
lack of expression; blank look (on one's face)
independence; autonomy; self-reliance
principle; general rule; as a rule; in principle; in general
ignoring (somebody); ostracizing; leaving (someone) out
it's best to; it's safest to; there's nothing better than
stinging; smarting; on edge; nervous; ripping; peeling
apparent; obvious; very clear
to make out to be; to set someone up (as); to prepare (e.g. someone for a role); to make (e.g. "a man out of him"); to frame
to pour oil on (something); to anoint with oil; to turn up; to add fuel (e.g. to a dispute); to rev up
that is to say; so that means
often (happens); tend to; be apt to; be likely to
to pound away; to hit at random; to hit ceaselessly
signboard; sign; draw; attraction; reputation (of a shop); name
to hold a person back; to restrain; to catch in one's arms
to carry up; to bring up; to lift up; to elevate (someone) to a high position; to convince someone to accept a post (esp. through flattery)
frantic dash; rushing at full speed
guidance; lead; guide; primer; influence; connections
flawless; absolute perfection
freebie (e.g. with a purchase); something additional; price reduction; discount; exaggeration
furnished with; including; attached to; impression; appearance; luck; sociality
divergence; ramification; bifurcation; branching off
to call; to summon; to send for; to call together
to say no more; to sink into silence
how long; how far; how much
third day of the month; three days
to that extent; to that degree; that much; that many
self-indulgence; doing as one pleases
how; in what way; I wonder
logical connection; chain of reasoning; coherence; blood vessel
to say; to be pleased to say
advance notice; previous note; preliminary announcement; trailer (film, TV); preview
hard-boiled (person, style, etc.); tough; hard-boiled fiction
romance; love story; love affair; romantic relationship; romance
madly in love; completely charmed (by); from the heart; entirely; (arch.) bottom of one's heart
(coming to an) agreement; consent; mutual understanding; accord; consensus