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groundswell |
a buildup of opinion or feeling in a large section of the population |
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cock-a-hoop |
extremely and obviously pleased esp about a triumph or success |
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beset |
to attack on all sides; assail; harass |
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tawdry |
showy but cheap and of poor quality |
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cordon |
prevent access to or from (an area or building) by surrounding it with police or other guards (think of "do not cross" yellow tape) |
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daft |
silly, foolish |
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ratched |
(same as wretched) of poor quality; shabby or filthy in appearance; unfortunate conditions or circumstances. 'hot mess' |
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beckon |
make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow |
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sidle |
to move close to someone in a quiet or secret way |
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detente |
the easing of hostility or strained relations, esp between countries |
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emissary |
a person sent on a special mission, usually as a diplomatic representative (a messenger) |
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gingerly |
in a careful or cautious manner |
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svelte |
(of a person) slender or graceful in figure or outline; slim |
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gaggle |
a disorderly or noisy group of people |
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daylight |
a perceptible space, gap, or difference |
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revel |
enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, esp with drinking and dancing |
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quaint |
attractively unusual or old-fashioned |
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caprice |
a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior |
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salvo |
a simultaneous discharge of artillery or other guns in a battle |
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despondent |
in low spirits from loss of hope or courage |
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insinuate |
suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect and unpleasant way |
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confluence |
an act or process of merging (eg., rivers) |
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decorum |
behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety (etiquette) |
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drudgery |
hard, menial, or dull work |
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exegesis |
critical explanation or interpretation of a text, esp of scripture |
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