Vocabulary

bright even in the dark; clearly visible at night

to be in the firing line; to bear the brunt of (an attack, criticism, etc.); to face (e.g. questioning)

incomprehensible; nonsensical; puzzling; mysterious; meaningless

to stir up trouble for oneself; to scare out a snake by poking at the bush

to only make work for oneself; to stir up a hornet's nest; to put one's foot in one's mouth

to chew out; to reprimand severely; to rake over the coals; to give a sound scolding; to tell someone off; to scold

to loaf around (on the job); to idle one's time away; to dawdle

don't let your guard down; carelessness is the great enemy; danger comes soonest when it is despised

for amusement; by way of diversion (distraction from grief)

all; as much as possible

possible; conceivable; likely; probable

of rank; of noble birth

to invite; to call out

to be flexible; to be accommodating

fully; thoroughly

another method; another problem

none of your business; not your concern

having a short time to live; having not much longer to live; having little time left; (one's) days are numbered

to become good-looking; to start looking appropriate (for something)

serves you right!; see what happens!

crying wine and selling vinegar; deceptive advertisement

to take off one's clothes; to undress; to strip naked; to become naked

bare mass

the coming days

day after day; day in and day out; every single day

the coming year

new arrival

fallen blossom doesn't return to the branch, a broken mirror can not be made to shine; what's done is done; there's no use crying over spilled milk

to be struck by lightning

leave no room for scandal; don't do anything that can be misinterpreted; don't straighten your cap under a plum tree (because when you raise your hands it might look as if you're trying to steal the plums)

not getting a reply

it is simply common courtesy to clean up after yourself; a bird does not foul the nest it is about to leave; on leaving a place, one should see that all is in good order

to acknowledge; to understand; to appreciate

two blessings at once; flanked by two beautiful women

to put effort into; to strain; to put strength into; to put forth effort

with all one's strength; with might and main; as hard as one can

(one's efforts) not being enough; not succeeding (despite one's best efforts); not being up to the task; being beyond one's ability

to put a lot of effort (into); to take a strong interest (in); to put great emphasis (on); to show zeal (for)

may the presiders over warriors be my vanguard (nine-character charm chanted to ward off evil)

as usual; as is one's habit