中美就人民币汇率间的斗争

 heat up [phrasal verb]: if a situation heats up, it becomes dangerous or full of problems

rigid: rigid methods, systems etc are very strict and difficult to change

quarrel [countable]: an angry argument or disagreement

brand [transitive]: to describe someone or something as a very bad type of person or thing, often unfairly

sore: something that is likely to make someone upset or angry when you talk about it

plain and simple: absolutely; without further complication or elaboration

be on the verge of something: to be at the point where something is about to happen

in the middle of something: if you are in the middle of something, it is happening to you or around you

skirmish [countable]: a short argument, especially between political or sports opponents

hold back [phrasal verb]: to prevent someone or something from making progress

succumb [intransitive]: to stop opposing someone or something that is stronger than you, and allow them to take control

retaliation [uncountable]: action against someone who has done something bad to you

slap something on [phrasal verb]: to suddenly announce a new charge, tax etc or say that something is not allowed - used especially when you think this is unfair

minimal: very small in degree or amount, especially the smallest degree or amount possible

disastrous: very bad, or ending in failure

up the ante: to increase your demands or try to get more things from a situation, even though this involves more risks