VOA慢速英语:As World Follows Rio Olympics, Brazil’s Economy Struggles

短语讲解：

1. The country is in the middle of a political and economic crisis.

in the middle of 在…的中间
例句：It landed smack(-dab) in the middle of the carpet.
那东西正好落在地毯的中央.

2. Sousa said he always wanted to work for himself, instead of having to depend on others.

work for 受雇于; 为…而工作; 效劳; 致力
例句：Comrade Yang will be in charge of that work for the time being.
杨同志将暂时负责那项工作。
instead of （用…） 代替…， （是…）而不是…
例句：A spirit lamp burns spirits instead of oil.
酒精灯里点的不是油而是酒精。
depend on 依赖; 相信; 信赖
例句：Huge industries depend on agriculture for either markets or materials.
大工业依赖农业对它们提供市场和原料。

3. That was the best time, but it started to drop off about (in) about 2014,” he said.

drop off 减少; 落下; 送下车
例句：When the current stops, the iron filings drop off
当电流停止时，这些铁屑就掉了下来。

4. Camargo says the strikes and student occupations have helped each other.

each other 互相，彼此
例句：Do you often help each other with your lessons?
你们经常互相帮助复习功课吗？

5. Her trial is expected to take place late this month.

take place 发生，举行
例句：His graduation will never take place if he doesn't get to work.
如果他不下功夫，就永远不会毕业。