Vocabulary

to be engaged in two trades at the same time; to have two irons in the fire; to wear two pairs of straw sandals

to be itching to do something

otherwise; or else; if not

having a habit of stealing things; being light-fingered

(being) alone together

(talking in a) half-joking manner

has reached its limit (with this); has reached its peak (here)

person who has not won any major awards or titles despite being the best in a particular field; uncrowned king

to pay one's bill; to settle one's account

(playing an) unpopular role; (taking on an) unpopular task

not at all; don't worry about it; forget about it

to look at it from another perspective; to look at it from a different angle; to put it the other way round

to seek knowledge; to ask for instruction

to put on a bold front; to act big; to be unyielding

a cold can lead to all sorts of illnesses

to attract someone with food

have a happy New Year

Imperial standard

in the confusion of the moment; taking advantage of the confused state of affairs

fourth jūbako tray; fourth stacked box

fourth tray (of food)

to find a way; to find the time; to try to make oneself available

to look away (from); to avert one's gaze

to take good care of; to treasure; to value; to hold dear; to prize; to cherish

working one's employees hard; being a slave-driver

it's already too late

to accept one's inferiority; to take one's hat off to someone

good at fighting; usually wins a fight

to get someone to say; to make someone say

to breathe while sleeping

to make sure someone is asleep; to listen for the breath of a sleeping person

improbable; unlikely

to be mad about; to be hooked on

to gain strength; to increase ability

to leave in the dark; to leave out in the cold; to keep out of the loop; to leave outside the mosquito net

world-class; (of) high global reputation

in that respect; on that point; in that regard

to sing someone's praises; to give someone a boost; to carry a lantern

helping hand; help; support; aid

without getting annoyed; without being bothered; diligently; properly; carefully