讲解：
succumb (to sth)
屈服；屈从；抵挡不住(攻击、疾病、诱惑等):
His career was cut short when he succumbed to cancer.
他的事业随着他死于癌症而中断。

be in office
任职
How long has he been in office ?
他任职多久了？

backfire (on sb)
产生事与愿违的不良(或危险)后果:
Unfortunately the plan backfired.
不幸的是,计划产生了适得其反的结果。

to the best of your ability
尽己所能
You promised to finish the job to the best of your ability.
你说出你会尽力完成这份工作的。

he worst-case scenario
最坏的设想
The worst-case scenario would be for the factory to be closed down.
最坏的情况可能是工厂关闭。

come to power
统治
The party came to power at the last election.
这个政党是在上次大选中当选执政的。

in effect
实际上；事实上:
In effect, the two systems are identical.
实际上,这两种系统完全一样。