influence; clout; leverage
selfish; egoist; (arch.) self-indulgent; (arch.) wilful; (arch.) willful
cruel; brutal; ruthless; merciless; inhuman
rumor; rumour; gossip; report
hard-line policy; tough measure
inborn; innate; inherent; a priori
existence or nonexistence; presence or absence; consent or refusal; yes or no
assumption (of office); taking up (a post); inauguration; installation
postbox; mailbox; post; position; post (e.g. goalpost); post- (e.g. post-Cold War)
system; institution; organization; organisation
candidate; contender; prospect; candidacy; candidature; nomination
to inherit; to succeed; to take over
firm; strong; unbending; unyielding; uncompromising; stubborn
to lick; to lap; to taste; to experience (esp. a hardship); to look down on (someone); to make fun of
support; backing; endorsement; support; holding up; propping
loyalty; sincerity; allegiance; fidelity; integrity
doesn't amount to doing (something); not significant enough to require (something); unnecessary
collapse; crumbling; breaking down; (radioactive) decay; disintegration
tough; strong; stiff; tenacious
to carry on one's shoulder; to shoulder; to bear; to bear (burden, responsibility, etc.); to take upon oneself
outside the country; abroad
end; close; finish; noh dance in plain clothes
forcing; enforcement; forced; enforced
one's support (power) base; the base of one's support in an electorate
thick; deep; kind; cordial; abundant
dispute; strife; quarrel; dissension; conflict; rivalry
deep (of emotions, connections, etc.)
warm welcome; friendly reception; hospitality; entertainment
sudden; abrupt; urgent; pressing; steep; sharp; rapid
godsend; lifesaver; timely offer; windfall
enjoyment; pleasure; diversion; anticipation; looking forward to
disturbance; trouble; ups and downs
turning point; tipping point; commutation point
to devise; to arrange; to plan; to plot
acutely (feel); keenly; severely; tightly; hard
meeting; greeting; welcome
inspection; study by observation; field trip; sitting out (e.g. PE class)
to stuff into; to jam; to shorten; to move closer together; to reduce (spending); to conserve; to focus intently on
personal attendant; valet; maid