knack of sth	the natural ability, talent
in the lap of sth	surrounded by sth
sth is no object	sth is not the most important
to have a rough deal	to be treated unfairly
ulterior	hidden
to crop up	to appear unexpectedly
raw recruit	sb new
creature comforts	bodily comforts
live wire	an energetic and lively person
maudlin	foolishly sentimental
to quench	to appease
to quiver	to shake
to adorn	to decorate
derail mind	unable to think clearly
to retract	to withdraw a statement/ to move back
flying visit	a short visit
to linger	to remain in small quantities
to endeavour	to attempt