abdomen; belly; womb; one's mind; one's real intentions; courage; nerve
probe each other; sound each other out
condition; assumption; intention; intent; premise (in logic)
preface; introduction; preamble
whether or not (in phrases like "I don't know whether or not I can come")
bright red; crimson lotus flower
to crown; to cap; to prefix with; to start with; to begin with
outside the country; abroad
going out; outing; leaving (one's home, office, etc.)
various; varied; diverse; all sorts of
management; administration; operation
wherein; therein; thereinto
top brass; upper echelon; higher-ups; top management; upper reaches; top of the pile
to entertain; to make welcome
bewilderment; perplexity; embarrassment; discomfiture; bafflement
common knowledge; being well-known; making (something) well-known
to reach one's ears; to come to one's knowledge; to hear about; to learn of (by chance)
to raise; to elevate; to do up (one's hair); to fly (a kite, etc.); to launch (fireworks, etc.); to land (a boat); to show someone (into a room)
to receive; to get; to eat; to drink; to be crowned with; to wear (on one's head)
I'm afraid to say; I'm sorry to say; unfortunately
to hack; to chop (firewood, meat, etc.); to chop off (e.g. a head)
nonsense; no meaning; meaningless
certain; sure; definite; reliable; sound; solid
hostile; adversarial; antagonistic
I don't want to boast but
half and half; fifty-fifty
in either case (used specifically in the instance of two possible outcomes or situations); either way; one way or another
proposal; offer; request; application
give-and-take; give and take
warm welcome; friendly reception; hospitality; entertainment
request; favor; favour; reliance; dependence; trust
remuneration; recompense; reward; toll
about when; about what time; how soon
right away; without delay; as soon as possible; very soon
to hurry; to rush; to hasten; to make something happen sooner
to depart (on a plane, train, etc.)