Vocabulary

to have the honour of being present (at a meeting, etc.); to have the honour of being a member (of a society, etc.); to soil the lowest seat by one's presence

last but not least; finally

to spin a cocoon

to provide against contingencies; to prepare for the worst

there is no hope

if necessary; when unavoidable

at all costs; at any cost; surmounting all difficulties

one ten-thousandth

Great Wall of China

not all bad; not as dissatisfied (or annoyed) as one would have others believe; not completely displeasing; fairly pleasing

lightly seasoned

to prevent; to take precautions

to dream (i.e. while asleep); to have a dream

to do without

without permission; without notice

unknown; obscure; insignificant

in someone (else's) name

to win fame; to make a name for oneself

Happy New Year

to make clear; to clarify; to disclose; to make public

to become clear

in consideration of; in deference to; out of respect for; for (someone's) sake

to "see stars" (i.e. after being hit in the head)

being extremely fond of; having a weakness for; being a sucker for

to be dizzy; to feel faint; to feel giddy

to be stunned; to be surprised; one's eyes turn into dots (as in a cartoon)

to meet (someone of higher status)

to be intolerable; to be unpardonable

to shut one's eyes; to close one's eyes

to look towards

to wake up

to be really angry

to look daggers at someone; to be angry

to take notice (of); to pay attention (to)

to be very surprised

to cast down one's eyes

to take one's eyes off

to complete most of something; to take a concrete shape; for the most important parts to be done; the nose and eyes are in place

to take up a problem

morning star