inroads, progress, strides, dent, breakthrough, difference, foothold, traction, gains, forays, push, overtures, splash, compromises, landfall, laggard, amends, molehill, toehold, mistake, trouble, advances, relenting, improvements, mincemeat, gainer, resolve, budge, hurdle, latecomer, hiccups, hickup, chink, beeline, resistence, quantum leap, contribution, advisability, reappearance, momentum, stumbling block, headwind, leap, concessions, efforts, debut, rough sledding, nudge, sway, clout, start, footing, comeback, parity, longshot, hiccoughs, slog, stalling, move, breeze, pushover, improver, impression, pushback, treading water, consensus, thorn, backtrack, decliner, plain sailing, prodding, defter, ascendancy, silver bullet, adjustments, backslid, resistance, arrests, chances, negotiators, eke, rapprochement, savvier, promise, difficulty, sense, wiggle room, reservations, pointsman, strengthing, fuss, mettle, falter, obstacles, strengthening, successes, grip, glimmer, patchier, step, changes, plateauing, advantage, hindrance, incentive, payback, speed, speedup, upturn, impediment, improvement, inducement, rise, diminution, encouragement, increase, opportunity

deaden, head

advance, elbow room, progression, room, way

clearance, headroom