I'm afraid to say; I'm sorry to say; unfortunately
how; in what way; why; for what reason; cannot possibly; no way
to ask again; to repeat one's question; to ask back; to ask in return; to counter
for (e.g. "she dances well for an eight-year old"); considering it's (something or someone)
suspicious-looking; shady; questionable; dubious; fishy
clearing one's throat; cough
to deceive; to falsify; to dodge; to beg the question (issue, difficulties); to varnish over; to gloss over
to bring to a finish; to bind firmly; to superintend
to fly away; to flee away; to scatter
to enquire of someone about something (inquire); to question; to interrogate; to grill (someone about a matter); to question in detail
(with a) start; fright; alarm; creaking; cracking; snapping
increasingly; more and more; decreasingly (when declining); less and less
suspicious; dubious; doubtful; unsure; untrustworthy; unreliable; strange
pursuit (of a goal, ideal, etc.); search; chase; seeking after
majestic figure; imposing figure; impressive appearance; magnificent appearance
snapping back (at someone); lashing out (despite being in the wrong); counterblast; counteroffensive; backlash
perquisite; perk; side benefit; emoluments
isn't it?; let's ...; why don't we ...; how about we ...
to begin to say; to start talking; to broach (a matter); to be the first to say; to suggest (doing); to propose
noisy; loud; annoying; troublesome; fussy; finicky
balance of power (in a relationship); power dynamic
at a disadvantage; in an unfavourable position; having poor prospects; standing little chance
to curry favour; to butter up; to fawn over; to humour someone (humor); to put in a good mood (e.g. a baby)
cheap; inexpensive; calm; peaceful; quiet
shopping; purchased goods
to hand over; to transfer; to give up (e.g. one's seat); to give way; to yield; to concede
diversion (from e.g. one's worries); distraction
under (influence, control, conditions, etc. of); during (war, occupation, etc.)
venting one's anger (on someone or something); taking out one's anger on
sensation; feeling; tendency; propensity
in accordance with plans; just as planned
to be delighted; to be glad; to congratulate; to gratefully accept
respect and affection; love and respect
even at the best of times; already; (even) under normal circumstances; in addition to; as it is
inferior species; inferior breed; inferior race