equal territories and similar abilities

be forbearing and concilatory for the filial piety

to hear much and reject the doubtful points(be well-informed and suspend judgment on things in doubt)

The basket and gourd frequently empty--stark poverty.

He who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom.

unmarried men and women above the average age for marriage

use one's great effort to help somebody

laden with sorrow and maladies(be both sentimental and fragile)

pull strings and make contacts

inferior to others(be a cut below others)

rain cats and dogs(rain like old boots)

badinage

to humiliate the protected is to humiliate the protector(to beat the dog is to bully its owner)

pile up like a mountain

confident, calm, natural, poised

there is more to it than meets the eye(there's something behind all this)

shiver

flatter(lay it on thick; lay it on with a trowel)

salute with folded hands and make deep bows

murmur(mumble to oneself)