| outset | beginning |
| aftermath | consequences |
| palpable | obvious |
| infringe | transgress |
| grovel | crawl |
| perpetuate | sustain |
| slump | crisis |
| devolved | decentralised |
| urging | calling |
| tackle | undertake |
| extortion | wring |
| predecessor | forerunner |
| congested | crowded |
| legacy | heritage |
| pledge | promise |
| spark | ignite |
| avert | ward off |
| trigger | cause |
| in favour of | in support |
| linger | prolong |
| alliance | partnership |
| en route | on the way |
| harsh | severe |
| credible | believable |
| intercept | take over |
| convene | call together |
| tighten | stretch |
| oversee | supervise |
| intimidation | harassment |
| consent | accord |
| warrant | guarantee |
| allegedly | ostensibly |
| dafamatory | slanderous |
| cumbersome | inefficient |
| unattainable | unavailable |
| downplay | belittle |
| entrenched | ingrained |
| casualty | accident |
| proliferate | breed |
| grease sb's palm | bribe |
| judiciary | forensic |
| robust | strong |
| to cede | transfer |
| shelve | put aside |
| jointly | together |
| make headway | progress |
| endorsement | approval |
| testimony | evidence |
| tranquillity | peace and quiet |
| recuperate | recover from sickness |
| grip | hold |
| firmly | tightly |
| rally | assemble |
