Vocabulary

to be left behind

some things can be learned from the young; a fool may give a wise man counsel; to be led across the shallows by the child on one's shoulders

to boast; to brag; to exaggerate

to swing one's arms greatly while walking

to make drastic cuts; to take an axe to

to talk big; to be bombastic

to declare confidently; to declare proudly; to declare dramatically

to get scolded severely

to beat someone at their own game; to outdo someone in their specialty

to rake over the coals; to scold; to chastise; to roast

to be a willing cats-paw; to willingly act as someone's tool

to evade (questions); to reply evasively; to beat around the bush; to throw up a smoke screen

to settle a matter; to get even with someone

to live together; to be close friends; to eat out of the same pot

triumphant (over a mediocre achievement); boastful; as if one had grabbed a demon by the neck

to visit repeatedly (to make a request)

to exaggerate; to embellish (a story, rumor, etc.)

to suck up to; to curry up to someone

a drowning man will clutch at a straw

to clear one's name

to get a good scolding

to dispel one's gloom; to brighten one's spirits; to dispel one's resentment; to clear up a grudge

to exercise parental authority

to guarantee (someone's ability or the quality of their work); to vouch for; to endorse

to return a favor (favour); to repay

to take the lead (of a group of people); to lead (a toast, cheer, etc.)

to demand gratitude; to do something for someone in order to create an obligation of gratitude from that person

to make one feel grateful

to be betrayed by a trusted follower

to celebrate one's recovery from illness

to speak flamboyantly

to crack jokes

to smile a smile of satisfaction

to make oneself known to the public; to become popular; to gain influence

to grant a person a moment

to use one's influence

to come face to face (with)

to keep up acquaintance

to touch up one's makeup

to make an appearance