1. firm = empresa
2. to challenge = retar, desafiar
3. accomplishment = logro, éxito, realización
4. loo (Br. slang) = baño, váter
5. thread = hilo
6. to crush = aplastar
7. to cut short = acortar, abreviar
8. awareness = conciencia
9. pipe dream = castillos en el aire, sueño inalcanzable
10. against the odds = contra toda posibilidad, contra toda apuesta
11. eat away at = corroer