Vocabulary

laxity in official discipline; civil service corruption

the concerned government agencies; the ministries and agencies that are relevant to the matter at hand; the relevant authorities

relevant authorities; competent authorities; authorities concerned

clear and concise

being of very robust health

stubborn (obstinate) father; pig-headed old man

trials and tribulations; adversities; suffering hardships and troubles

erotic novel; amorous novel; pornographic novel

forgetting one's serious objectives by becoming engrossed in trivial pursuits; being distracted by trivial objects and losing sight of one's original goal

disparity (of income, pensions, etc.) between public and private employees

simple, plain, and artless; clear, concise, and unaffected

simple and plain; frank, direct and unambivalent; straightforward

one's face turning red; with a flush on one's face

one's face turning pale (ashen); the color being drained from one's face

idiomatic expression; idiom; fixed expression

initiative taken by bureaucrats in the drafting of government policies and bills (rather than by politicians)

having great (impressive, commanding) presence; having an air of importance; having enough gravity for (a position)

lacking enough gravity for (a position, task); being an insignificant figure for (a position)

propensity to put oneself in as bad a light as possible; being prone to act bad

being animated (vivid) with grace (elegance, refinement)

behavior; bearing; deportment; manners; demeanor

rules and standards; norms; criteria

humour; humor; temper; mood; spirits

merry drinker

gentlemen of (high) eminence; notables; dignitaries

climate and natural features (of a region)

bribery scandal

pseudo-romance; pseudo (mock) love affair

high and low, and rich and poor

diversionary tactics (maneuvering); disguise; hide by camouflage

fake refugee; phony refugee; illegal migrant disguised as a refugee

unheard-of; unparalleled

established policy; existing procedures

yesterday and today

complete change of mood; thoroughly refreshing one's spirits

according to (depending on) the mood of the moment; as one's fancy dictates

feeling great (refreshed)

feeling exhilarated

self-willed; (doing or saying things) to suit one's own convenience

having the face of a devil and the heart of Buddha; having a stern face but a tender heart