to ally / to unite / to join / (poetry) antithetical couplet
联
=
关
+
耳
:
Li Qingzhao (li) invented a machine able to combine (联) her hair into braids, and she is trying it out for the first time in the anthill's kitchen (an2). Just as the machine starts Li Qingzhao realizes it is going to combine both of her ears (耳) into one braid she quickly hits the machine's off button (关).
to go through / to know well / (suffix) expert / to connect / to communicate / open / to clear / classifier for letters, telegrams, phone calls etc
通
=
甬
+
辶
:
In front of the engine a pile of yongzhong bells were blocking the way. Tommy Turtle attended to the matter and cleared the way. He lined the bells up to two lines, put on his gladiator sandals and now marches right through this path screened by walls on two sides like a roman general.