VOA慢速英语:Kim Jong Un Declares ‘Quasi-State of War’ with S. Korea

短语讲解：

1. The action took place after North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire near the border.

take place 发生
例句：Earthquakes take place far underground.
地震则发生在地球的极深处。

2. He says neither side feels it can back down but neither side wants war either.

back down 放弃，退却
例句：A blind streak of stubbornness in him wouldn't let him back down.
盲目的顽固是不会让他回心转意的。