extinguishing a fire; (Edo-period) fireman
unable to stomach; sticking in one's throat; displeased with
meritocracy; merit system
heart and soul; all one's heart; all one's energy
to put one's heart and soul (into); to completely devote oneself (to)
slip of the tongue; misstatement; verbal slip-up
self-interested show of kindness; acting selfishly under the guise of kindness
forbidden move (sumo, shogi, go, etc.); prohibited move; foul
variation in color (colour); having a different color
preservation; retainment; keeping
annoyance (to); bane (of); constant worry (to)
rumor; rumour; gossip; report
yes?; no?; isn't it?; is it?
too few; too little; insufficient
merciless; ruthless; pitiless; unfeeling
strategic; strategically; from a strategic point of view
ripeness; mellowness; maturity
excellent answer; clever answer
to take off; to jump; to take the plunge; to decide; to step out of the ring
way of asking; way of listening; listener
to prove; to verify; to guarantee; to promise
to expose; to disclose; to lay bare; to confess
presentation techniques; way of showing something
treaty; pact; convention; agreement
outside the country; abroad
to supplant; to supersede; to replace; to take the place of
help; assistance; service
talking about memories; reminiscences
youthful indiscretion; youthful enthusiasm; youthful excess
excellent plan; best policy
(heavy) drinker; drunkard; tippler; boozer
hit it off with (a person); find a kindred spirit in (a person); sympathy; mutual understanding
display shelf; display case
dilettante; person of unusual tastes; person with strange hobbies; person of refined taste; connoisseur
envoy; ambassador; delegate; emissary; mission
mansion; palace; (arch.) nobleman; (arch.) noblewoman; (arch.) temporary residence
well known; well connected