NPR News:沙特和加拿大之间的外交争端愈演愈烈

1. in tatters (计划、心情等)千疮百孔，历经挫折，不堪一击；
He gets a long ban and his reputation is in tatters for all time.
他将被长期禁赛，然后名誉扫地。
2. scratch one's head 苦苦琢磨；绞尽脑汁；
The Institute spends a lot of time scratching its head about how to boost American productivity.
该协会花费大量时间苦苦思索如何提高美国的生产力。
3. work out 想出，得到(解决方法)；解(谜)；
The three parties will meet next month to work out remaining differences.
三方将在下个月会面，以解决余下的分歧。
4. stand up for 坚决维护；捍卫；
You must stand up for your rights.
你必须维护自己的权利。