Vocabulary

to collect the ashes of the deceased

to hold the purse strings

to survive a life-threatening situation; to be out of danger

to fish; to have a line in the water

to play for time; to use delaying tactics

timely; opportune; well-timed

to not believe one's ears

to default on one's debt

to take someone's hand

to become independent

to stretch out

to mark the end; to spell the end

to take a roll call; to take the register

to keep a house; to run a household

to hide oneself

to throw oneself (e.g. off a cliff, etc.)

to raise one's voice; to shout

to be out of breath; to breathe hard (e.g. during physical activity); to pant

to feel nauseated; to feel sick

to throw one's weight around; to exercise one's authority; to make one's presence felt

to resolve; to make up one's mind; to decide

to shame the name (of); to blot the reputation (of)

to give one's life (e.g. in battle); to devote one's life (e.g. to a cause)

to break up (e.g. a meeting); to call it a night

whatever brought that on?

whatever brought that on?

just managing; with great difficulty

to affect someone's prestige; to be beneath one's dignity

unsatisfactory

one thing after another; out of the frying pan and into the fire

legacy of the past

nothing special; no big deal; doesn't matter

eyes of a predator; sharp eyes; keen eyes; vigilant attention; eyes of a cormorant, eyes of a hawk

bosom (buddy); trusted (friend)

God only knows what may happen

whether you like it or not; no matter what one may do; in any event; in any case; whether you laugh or cry

saying all one has to say (usu. negative, e.g. complaints, insults, etc.)

to let someone say

I don't want to boast but

to take advantage of (someone's) weakness