up to now; so far; traditional; conventional; usual
to compete; to contend; to vie; to contest
on bad terms; at loggerheads
North Atlantic Treaty Organization; NATO
member nation; member state; signatory
government sources; official quarters
tightly; closely; exactly; precisely; suddenly (stopping)
competing; competition; auction
private; confidential; informal; secret; (within the) family circle; (on the) inside
huge sum (esp. of money); enormous sum; massive amount
century; era; of the century (e.g. fight of the century)
to lower the curtain (at the end of a play); to come to an end; to finish
leak (of information); leakage (of electricity)
to well (up); to gush out (of water); to appear (esp. suddenly) (sweat, tears, etc.); to sweat; to feel emotions (e.g. joy, bravery, etc.); to spring up (e.g. an idea, emotions, clouds)
factory; plant; mill; workshop
diversion; putting something to another use
product; commodity; merchandise
to see the light; to be awakened to the truth; to have the scales fall from one's eyes
total (money); full amount; sum
it is assuredly (that) ...; can say with confidence that it is ...
one's share; one's portion
zealous; enthusiastic; ardent; fervent; keen; eager
this is why; that is the reason why; it is the case that; so; thus; with that
intruder; invader; trespasser; raider
at one's feet; underfoot; gait; pace; most recent; current
to cause a loss; to make a hole (in)
to trap (into a difficult situation); to put (in a fix); to capture (a castle, fortress, etc.); to take; to drop (something) into
to claim victims; to leave casualties
invitation; solicitation; canvassing; canvasing; inducement; persuasion
trembling with fear; in great fear; filled with trepidation; nervously; timidly
(your) choice; preference; wish
begging; pestering; pleading; coaxing
to cheat (someone out of); to swindle; to wangle; to wheedle; to get
a little; a few; small; slight; trifling; insignificant