shield

unrequited love(carry a torch for)

host

well-known writer

stepping-stone

pettifogger

fill one's writing with quotations to parade learning

research with little investment but quick result

assurance(something capable of making one at ease)

accept a challenge(take up challenge)

mess Big Pot Rice(extreme equalitarianism;food prepared in a common mess)

head foremost(fall head over heels; head first)

East Riding

to one's great disappointment

take charge as chief of one of the fronts

speak in low voice and low breath; be obsequious

muddle along

sink the spirits of

What the heart wishes one's hands accomplish

stare wildly about(gaze around; look in all directions)