Vocabulary

to ask a question of (a person)

remote past; far ago; time immemorial

falling far short (of); being far behind; being far inferior (to); being no match (for)

to loom in the distance

to pass the peak (of something); to get through the most difficult part; to be over the worst (e.g. an illness)

to burn with combativeness

to be in order; to be right

to wear a sword

to grade; to classify

to leave town

should time and circumstances permit

to wait for a favorable chance; to wait for a favourable chance

to do (a person) good; to bring profit

to practice virtue; to practise virtue

stinging (barbed) words; harsh language

land of everlasting summer

so far as

to change sides; to change places

to spread (make) a bed

unfulfilled wish

to finish off; to ensure (something) is dead; to deliver the coup de grace

hour of the Tiger (around 4am, 3-5am, or 4-6am)

prejudiced opinion; conventional ideas

to let loose something dangerous; to let loose a tiger in the field

to capture a fort

to open the door

to shut a door

to bust down a door; to break a door open

far-out; groovy; flipped out

to strike someone dumb with astonishment

action and reaction

to stand to reason

contrary to reason

to discuss in the same terms; to treat equally

reader feedback (to author, magazines, etc.); reader's voice; readers' forum; mail from readers

poisonous; toxic; noxious

to poison (e.g. food, drink); to administer poison

powerful spectacles; strong glasses

to be covered with mud

to lose one's presence of mind; to lose one's composure; to lose one's head; to get flustered