Words and Idioms(1)

choked with: full of,crowed with
people thin to a trickle: there are a lot fewer people
no man's land: the area of land between two opposing armies that isn't held by either side
relatively unhindered: with few difficulties and/or obstacles, compared to what it could be like
armoured: protected by strong covering
destination: the place where someone is supposed to arrive
sheltering: protecting themselves, finding cover
provided: if, no condition that, as long as
the first hint: the first suggestion/indication
to prop up: to give support to something, so it can continue to exist in a difficult situation
rivals: people or companies competing with others for the same thing or in the same area
turned the money down: refused to take the money
turned to: appealed for/sought help from
notably: especially, specifically
a single member of: one person who belongs to
with fewer strings attached: with not so many conditions and/or restrictions
humiliation: damaging someone's dignity or reputation
going cap in hand to: begging for money from