as always; as ever; though it's always the case
basics; fundamentals; basis; basically; fundamentally
faithful; devoted; loyal; honest; true
at one's feet; underfoot; gait; pace; most recent; current
idea; conception; way of thinking; approach; expression
to boost; to force up; to push up
clue; lead; key; handhold; hold
attire; dress; clothes; clothing; costume; garb
direction; orientation; suited to; suitable for; tendency; inclination
concentration (on a task); focusing one's attention; concentration (of population, buildings, power, etc.); centralization; within a collection of works
to harden; to solidify; to become firm; to become certain; to gather (together); to assemble
trivial; not amounting to much
reasonably; fairly; hurriedly; in a rush; approximately; about
won't; hasn't; isn't; won't you
veteran (in a particular field); person with a lot of experience; old hand
alumnus (alumnae); graduate; former member of an organization; former inhabitant (country, region, etc.)
easy to read; legible; clear
arms; weapons (of war); armor; armour
general; universal; ordinary; average; (arch.) the same; (arch.) no different
high-quality goods; luxury item
to buy a replacement; to replace (with a new purchase)
to spare; to grudge; to regret; to lament; to be reluctant (to do); to be unwilling
make; manufacture; -made; made of ...; made in ...
whole (body); full-length (e.g. portrait); systemic
(good or bad) feel when wearing something
first-class goods; A-grade product
convenient; useful; finding useful; coming in handy; (priceless) treasure
strength; power; proficiency; ability
perfectly; right on the mark; spot on; enough; sufficiently; thoroughly
dragon (as depicted in Western myths)
scale (of fish, snake, etc.); serif (on kana or kanji (e.g. in Mincho font))
attachment (esp. to things); love; affection; fondness
to give (as a gift); to present; to confer; to bestow; to award