The story
The deal brought relief, temporarily at least, with the US postponing moves to increase tariffs on China in the new year. But now there is widespread confusion over the details with senior figures in the White House contradicting each other.
China has so far refused to confirm claims from President Trump that it will remove and then reduce tariffs on cars imported from the US.
Key words and phrases
slapdash
done or made quickly and without care
• It was his slapdash attitude to procedure that eventually cost him his job.
• I didn't have enough time so the cake's a bit slapdash, but it tastes great!
breathing space
brief rest from something to regain strength or reassess
• Before considering divorce, let's take some breathing space. Let's try separation.
• Many students take a gap year for some breathing space before getting a job.
bumpy ride
difficult or challenging time
• It's been a bumpy ride. I thought I'd fail but I finally passed my exams!
• Inflation and unemployment are up. The economy is in for a bumpy ride.
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The deal brought relief, temporarily at least, with the US postponing moves to increase tariffs on China in the new year. But now there is widespread confusion over the details with senior figures in the White House contradicting each other.
China has so far refused to confirm claims from President Trump that it will remove and then reduce tariffs on cars imported from the US.
Key words and phrases
slapdash
done or made quickly and without care
• It was his slapdash attitude to procedure that eventually cost him his job.
• I didn't have enough time so the cake's a bit slapdash, but it tastes great!
breathing space
brief rest from something to regain strength or reassess
• Before considering divorce, let's take some breathing space. Let's try separation.
• Many students take a gap year for some breathing space before getting a job.
bumpy ride
difficult or challenging time
• It's been a bumpy ride. I thought I'd fail but I finally passed my exams!
• Inflation and unemployment are up. The economy is in for a bumpy ride.
Take our News Review test and download the audio here
Learn English with BBC Learning English. Every day we help you to learn English with our brilliant mix of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, news and inspiring English programmes. We also produce regular 'extra' videos across the week so come back every day to see what's new.
Regular content
MONDAY: The English We Speak
MONDAY: English in a Minute
TUESDAY: News Review
TUESDAY: English At Work
WEDNESDAY: LingoHack
THURSDAY: 6 Minute English
FRIDAY: Editor's Choice
We like receiving and reading your comments - please use English when you comment.
For more videos and content that will help you learn English, visit our website:
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