(confronting a problem, etc.) head-on; directly; outright; (lit.) from the front
to compete (with each other); to contend for; to vie for; to rival
blunder; slip; error; error
rear gate (esp. of castle); back entrance; one who arrests; force attacking the rear of a castle; (opponent's) weak point
hard struggle; strenuous effort
worst; worst-case (scenario)
bizarre plan; perplexing strategy; outlandish scheme
to come to mind; to pop into one's head
territory; domain; dominion; possession; sphere of action
superior (in rank); top; higher order (e.g. byte); host computer (of connected device)
to pull; to draw; to string (lines); to run (cable); to pull towards oneself (e.g. someone's sleeve); to drag; to haul
(a matter of) chance; fortune (of a given time); force of the times
to be on the verge; to be on the brink; to get close
quickly (esp. actions); suddenly (esp. wind, rain, etc.)
to read the situation; to sense the mood
peerless; unequaled; unequalled
filling (up) a hole; filling in (for a gap, vacancy, etc.); stopgap; making up (for a loss, damage, etc.); covering (a deficit); cloze deletion (test format)
to have an idea; to have a clue
hard; solid; stiff; tight; strong; firm (not viscous or easily moved); safe
(laughing) foolishly; (smiling) thoughtlessly; indiscreetly (talking); carelessly (speaking); thin (paper, cloth, etc.); flimsy
individual; private person; personal; private
technical skill; ability; capacity
understanding; comprehension; grasp; perception; appreciation; mastery (of an art or skill)
lesson; precept; teachings; moral
to make (the best) use of; to put to good use; to let live; to keep alive; to revive; to resuscitate
to poke fun at; to make fun of; to send up
daily routine; daily work; daily lesson
to harvest; to reap; to take in; to gather in; to adopt (e.g. idea); to accept (e.g. advice)
different opinion; objection
approval; agreement; support; favour; favor
uncharacteristic; unbefitting; unworthy (of)
objection; dissent; protest
top; top position; senior management; senior bureaucrat
definite decision; final decision
indicates the target of an activity; -ee (e.g. employee, examinee, trustee)
rule; regulation; settlement; conclusion; habit; custom
defeat; loss; reverse; setback
indecisive; irresolute; shilly-shally; vacillating
criticism; blame; censure; attack; reproach
noisily (e.g. from many people talking); creating a commotion; rustling (leaves); feeling a chill; getting the chills
hour; o'clock; (specified) time; when ...; during ...
unaware; unmindful; unconscious; blind; apathetic
personnel training; human resources development; character building