distinctive of; characteristic of; uniquely applying to; but; except; without
flexible; lithe; soft; pliable
to be too late; to be too slow
up to now; so far; traditional; conventional; usual
self-deprecation; self-derision; self-mockery; laughing at oneself
not worth considering; out of the question
persistence; single-mindedness
direction; orientation; suited to; suitable for; tendency; inclination
general idea; concept; notion
private tutor; coach; governess
gossipy; abusive; critical; jabbering
criminal; lawbreaker; wrongdoer; offender
to take great pains; to make every effort; to rack one's brains; to be concerned; to worry
impossible to understand; impossible to decipher
calculation; self-interest; selfishness
how should I put it?; what shall I say?; well, you know; like
to thrust before; to thrust at
troublesome matter; burden; difficult task; chore; hassle
trend; tendency; movement; attitude
backing (for a position); giving support to; helping (someone) to a position
close investigation; careful examination; scrutiny
fight; scuffle; walking about; walking around; conducting oneself; stroll (in noh, an action piece involving circling the stage)
studying under; looking up to; apprenticing oneself to
encompassing; covering (exhaustively); including (all of); comprising; comprehending
lending (money); finance; loan; adaptability; versatility; flexibility
friction; discord; trouble; dissension; disagreement
main question; real issue at hand
just like; (virtually) no different from; (almost) the same as; as good as (e.g. dead, settled)
division (distribution) of roles; role-sharing
rule; reign; government; governing
following (a precedent, former policy, etc.); continuing with; sticking to; observing
essential part; indispensable part; unavoidable part; front and back matter (of a book, magazine, etc.)