Vocabulary

to be pretentious; to put on airs; to show off

having not the slightest idea

depending on how you look at it; from a certain point of view

to lock (a door, etc.); to lock up

grim look

ending up right back where one started

as a rule; in general; in principle; basically; essentially; fundamentally

strictly speaking

to pursue an illusion; to pursue a fantasy; to pursue phantoms

at the present time; as of now; at this time

to do exactly what one is told to do; to be subservient; to be easily controlled

if we put this another way; in other words; put differently

even if I told you

some things are better left unsaid; silence is golden

to suppress the freedom of speech

unlimitedly; without limit; without end; endlessly; infinitely; exceedingly

to know personally; to have personal knowledge of

to hold one's breath (in fear, anxiety, etc.)

to draw an arc (e.g. with a compass); to describe an arc (e.g. through the air); to form an arc

to sit cross-legged

book of (trade) secrets; secrets

Boys' Festival (May 5)

six of one, half a dozen of the other; scant difference

coming home after midnight; person who comes home after midnight

to give; to do (something) for

one after another; in rapid succession

later (on); afterwards

excuse me for interrupting you when you are so busy

I'm sorry; my apologies; excuse me; pardon me

may I come in?

customer; guest

(please) look

intersection on a go board

alternately; by turns

time flies like an arrow; time and tide wait for no man; life is short

open secret

sarcastic; having a sharp tongue; having a sharp nasty tongue

having a loose tongue; being talkative; speaking without thinking; being unable to keep a secret

incommunicative; taciturn

to taste; to eat; to drink