Vocabulary

full particulars; the whole story; from beginning to end

every single word and phrase; each and every word

every single word and phrase; each and every word

letter by letter; character by character

a single word; (not even) a word; (not even) a syllable

going up and down

momentous (crucial) decision

great sensation; taking something by storm; making a splash

dealing a hard (heavy, crushing) blow (to)

significant turning point

a reading leaves one with ceaseless sighs of admiration

a (single) reading (a perusal) leaves one dumbfounded

doing a good deed each day; doing one good turn a day

being a match for a thousand

contest decided by a single round (bout); contest decided by a single roll of dice; one-shot game (contest); make-or-break game

beating of a drum as a signal to announce the opening (beginning) of an event (theatrical performance, festival, etc.)

the (one's) best pupil; the (one's) top disciple

freshly drawn bath; (taking) a bath before anyone else

a single tree or blade of grass; every stick and stone (of a place)

(people) working together with one mind

rags to riches; overnight millionaire

contest decided by a single round (bout); contest decided by a single roll of dice; one-shot game (contest); make-or-break game

killing two birds with one stone; serving two ends

rise and fall; frequent fluctuations (of the market price)

hourly; from hour to hour; moment by moment; momently; from one minute to the next; with each passing moment

(possession of) one feudal domain and one castle; being independent (acting without compromise or assistance)

breaking off short (in one's speech); rendered speechless for a moment

one reading (of a poem aloud) leaves one with ceaseless sighs of admiration

(strict) observance of the Buddhist precept of lifelong celibacy

ruling the times; holding sway over the minds of the people

combined (concerted) efforts; solidarity; joining forces (with)

stubborn and short-tempered

the dots of i's and the crosses of t's; (not neglecting) the slightest details

contest decided by a single round (bout); contest decided by a single roll of dice; one-shot game (contest); make-or-break game

success on the first try (attempt)

a life given up to pleasure; pleasure-seeking lifestyle

rusticity; provincialism

provincial (country) millionaire

the barbarians beyond the borders of old China

feelings of dread and aversion