ESL Podcast 674 – Threatening Other Countries

　　Tania: Did you see the news today? Canada has been doing military exercises near the Canada-U.S. border. I think they’re trying to send us a message.
Emilio: They’re just saber-rattling. They think we’re amassing¹ weapons near the border and they’re posturing².
Tania: I don’t think they’re just posturing.
Emilio: Canada is no real threat. No one in the government wants to bear the responsibility of violating Canada’s treaty with us.
Tania: How can you say that? All of this military aggression³ makes me nervous. If Canada decides to attack, we would have no choice but to retaliate⁴. Things could escalate⁵ very quickly.
Emilio: That’s why I’m well prepared.
Tania: Well prepared? How?
Emilio: Haven’t you seen me building my underground bunker? I’ll be safe there if Canada, or anyone else, strikes.
Tania: An underground bunker?
Emilio: Yes, and if you ask nicely, I’ll save a place for you.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 amassing   

v.积累，积聚( amass的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• The study of taxonomy must necessarily involve the amassing of an encyclopaedic knowledge of plants. 分类学研究一定要积累广博的植物知识。 来自辞典例句
• Build your trophy room while amassing awards and accolades. 建立您的奖杯积累奖项和荣誉。 来自互联网

2 posturing   

做出某种姿势( posture的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• She was posturing a model. 她正在摆模特儿的姿势。
• She says the President may just be posturing. 她说总统也许只是在做样子而已。

3 aggression   

n.进攻，侵略，侵犯，侵害

参考例句：

• So long as we are firmly united, we need fear no aggression.只要我们紧密地团结，就不必惧怕外来侵略。
• Her view is that aggression is part of human nature.她认为攻击性是人类本性的一部份。

4 retaliate   

v.报复，反击

参考例句：

• He sought every opportunity to retaliate against his enemy.他找机会向他的敌人反击。
• It is strictly forbidden to retaliate against the quality inspectors.严禁对质量检验人员进行打击报复。

5 escalate   

v.(使)逐步增长(或发展)，(使)逐步升级

参考例句：

• It would tempt Israel's neighbors to escalate their demands.它将诱使以色列的邻国不断把他们的要求升级。
• Defeat could cause one side or other to escalate the conflict.失败可能会导致其中一方将冲突升级。