BBC news 2011-12-01 加文本

短语讲解：

1. An Iranian government spokesman described the British response as "hasty" and warned that Iran would take further appropriate action.

describe as描述为
例句：His employer had described him as lacking in initiative and drive.
雇主说他缺乏进取心和干劲。
take action采取行动, 行动起来
例句：The police had to take firm action to deal with the riots.
警方不得不采取果断行动来对付骚乱。

2. Mr Hague said they stole personal possessions and set fire to the main embassy office building.

set fire to放火烧, 点着了…
例句：The police hasn't found out who set fire to the storehouse.
警方还没查出是谁放火烧了仓库。

3. Other European countries have reacted to the storming of the British embassy.

react to对…作出反应〔评价, 应答〕
例句：How did he react to your suggestion?
他如何对待你的建议?

4. Up to two million workers are opposing pension reforms that may lead to later retirement and higher contributions.

lead to导致, 引起
例句：An ordinary cold can soon lead to a fever.
一场普通的感冒很快便会引起高烧。

5. Trade union leaders - among them, Mark Serwotka - accused the government of trying to balance the heavily indebted books on the backs of public sector workers.

accuse of指责, 控告
例句：We accused him of taking bribes.
我们控告他受贿。

6. We're not paying the price for this.

pay for为…付钱
例句：I have to pay 150 dollars for the sewing machine.
我得花150美元买这台缝纫机。

7. The Syrian authorities say they've freed more than 900 prisoners involved in recent anti-government protests.

involve in使参与〔陷入, 牵扯到〕
例句：The vast masses there have become involved in the health campaign.
那里的广大群众都参加了卫生运动。

8. Police in Mexico have discovered a 600-metre tunnel used to smuggle drugs from the northwestern city of Tijuana to the United States.

used to过去一向,过去时常;过去曾(而现在不再)做
例句：I used to go to work by underground when I was in London. 
我在伦敦时,通常乘地铁上班。