Scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours

Very close

Read your opponent

Danger past, God forgotten

To act too late

to watch intently

carelessness

to drill a hole

living a life at sea; living the life of a hermit

To get cold feet

floating weeds

This ever-changing world

nurturing young

I used to make the men whistle in my youth

An adopted child

to humbly accept

secretly using one's accumulated goodwill and status to benefit one's family

simply emulating great people does not grant one their honor and virtue

A disorganized mob

gauging public opinion

Coming out of the woodwork

to squirm