(exp,v5k) to take a veneer off something
(exp) Just a short note to tell you ...
This will just be a short note. (a set formula of greeting used by a man at the beginning of a brief note)
(n) one-stroke sketch
(v5k) to drop a few lines
(exp) one who experiences a chronic ailment takes better care of his health and lives longer
(n,adj-no) service a la carte
(n,adj-no) monogamy
(n,adj-no) monogamy
(n,adj-no) polygamy
polygyny
(n) full particulars
the whole story
from beginning to end
(n,adj-no) under-insurance
(v5m) to have a smoke
(n,vs) tea (coffee, cigarette) break
(v5r) to drug (someone, food, drink)
(n) (not even) a bit of
(not even) a hint of
(not) an iota of
(n) (a) penny store
business on a small scale
(n) stinginess
miserliness
(n,adj-no) total illiteracy
(n,adj-no) total illiteracy
(adj-na) penniless
(n-adv,n-t) since our last meeting
since we parted
(exp) stepwise
one step at a time
(n) step by step
by degrees
(n) (a) step forward
(v5k) to take a step backward
to retreat a step
(n) one-way traffic
(n,adj-no) one-way traffic
(P)
(n) a tuft of hair
(exp) (1) bursts of exertion will fail to bear fruit if interrupted by long periods of idleness
(2) strenuous efforts, unless sustained, are to no avail (Mencius)
(n) sweeping view of the eye
boundless expanse