Vocabulary

crushing defeat

long spell of rain

insulation

illicit union; collusion

advantages and disadvantages; plus and minuses

town hall

town council

fixed rate

strength of a party

gateway to success

principal of a private school

the lowest; the worst

staying in the United States; residing in the United States; being situated in the United States (of a foreign embassy, company, etc.)

rice-crop index

self-purification; self-cleansing

withdrawal; discontinuance; abandoning; dropping

in one's hands; in one's control

excellent (piece of) work

(large) compilation

entry in a race

officers and men

ultrasonic waves; ultrasound

unripe plum

mental disorder; mental disability; mental illness

buying; purchasing; laying in

new rice field; newly developed rice field

devaluation (e.g. of currency); markdown; write-down; undercutting

failure to reach agreement

price index

the first and second; a few

enemy nation

key

return gift; return favour

condolence; regret; tribute; sorrow; sympathy; lament

protection; tender care

bad weather

peace (of mind); tranquility; tranquillity; serenity

relic; remains; memento

small bird; little bird

bonus