VOA慢速英语:Manassas Ends Hope for a Short War

短语讲解：

1. One Confederate officer, trying to prevent his troops from moving back, pointed to a group led by General T. J. Jackson of Virginia.

prevent from 阻止, 防止
例句：In such wet weather we must prevent the seedlings from rotting. 
这样的阴雨天要防止烂秧。 

2. Neither side would give up.

give up 放弃; 投降
例句：Don't give up hope; keep on trying. 
不要灰心，继续努力。 

3. The fleeing Union soldiers threw down their guns and equipment, thinking only of escape.

throw down 扔下;  使倒下; 推翻
例句：Throw down your arms, you are surrounded! 
投降吧，你们被包围了！