Vocabulary

one's last hope; one's only hope; the last hope

(most) basic of basics

to be careful; to take the utmost care

to hold one's breath; to bate one's breath

none other than; ... himself; ... herself

intimidating enough to quieten a crying child

a meeting by chance is preordained

that being the case; in that case; if that's how it's going to go

with intense concentration; eagerly; intently; devouringly

to give someone space; to give someone breathing room; to cut someone some slack; to provide leeway; to provide an opportunity

a moment of time in a spring evening is worth a thousand pieces of gold

in the same breath; hardly had the words been said

snake hibernation

to be loyal to; to serve; to offer allegiance

this is not the time (for that); that's out of the question right now

the 8th month (of the lunar calendar) is the quietest for farmers

to talk on and on; to talk one's head off

losing one's reason due to love; lack of judgment due to love

river in springtime

rain falling on cherry blossoms; rain at the time of the blossoming of cherry trees

tears on the sleeves (of one's kimono); weeping copiously

striving to adopt ascetic practices for one's whole life

to get help; to enlist aid

to count on one's fingers

backbiting of a coward; grumblings of a loser; the far-off bark of a retreating dog

to turn against; to become an enemy

to insult; to say something insulting about; to bad-mouth

I owe you; I owe you one; I owe you a favor

one can give a plausible argument for anything

to be struck by lightning

observant eye

has never (done, occurred); there has never been an instance (where); there is no precedent (for)

unasked for; unnecessary; uninvolved

unasked for; unnecessary; uninvolved

to be delirious with fever; to have a feverish dream

forming; comprising; making up

engagingly; cordially; amiably; sociably; hospitably

to add balance (to one's work, life, etc.); to balance work and play; to pace oneself

to take a breath; to gather one's breath; to catch one's breath

to let go