to put oneself on guard; to stand ready; to square off
to steel oneself to; to brace oneself
to be crowded; to be packed; to be complex
in fact; as a matter of fact; actually; in reality; to tell the truth
to act as one; to act in concert; to keep pace; to stay in step
just right (time, size, length, etc.)
extent; scope; sphere; range; span
to lessen; to decrease; to diminish
to examine; to look up; to investigate; to check up; to sense; to study
a tiny bit; just a smidgin; a wee bit; very slightly
approval; agreement; support; favour; favor
two sheets (pieces) (of paper)
pile; heap; counter for things that are stacked, piled up (or layered, etc.); layers of clothing worn under one's overcoat; combination of colors created by layering of garments (colours)
to stuff into; to jam; to shorten; to move closer together; to reduce (spending); to conserve; to focus intently on
expenses; costly; expensive
moment by moment; hour by hour
manner; demeanour; demeanor; bearing
as ... as one can; as ... as possible; as much as possible
concise; brief; succinct; compact (style)
bumping of heads; running into; coming across; encountering
to shift one's attention to; to shift one's focus on
to encamp; to take up positions
as before; as ever; as it was originally
to relax one's efforts; to let up; to let one's guard down
reserved; introverted; reticent; shy; withdrawn
bridge building; mediation; go-between; intermediary; (through the) good offices (of someone)
to shut; to close; to block (a street, entrance, etc.); to shut in (with snow, ice, etc.); to shut off; to consume (with negative feelings)
noisy; loud; boisterous; turbulent; unsettled; restless
unexpected; unforeseen; inconceivable
to push someone (towards); to encourage someone
tendency; trend; inclination
back; reverse; rear side; height; stature; ridge (of a mountain)
simultaneously; all at once; in unison
decoration; ornament; trimmings
hanging banner; hanging screen; curtain
school festival; cultural festival; annual open day school event showcasing student talent
tumult; great noise; clatter; hustle and bustle
leader; reader; reading book; reader (i.e. someone who reads); microreader; dotted line (in printing)