1. in earnest 认真地;诚挚地
The two countries can finally start negotiating in earnest about issues of mutual concern.
两国终于可以开始就双方共同关心的问题进行更为认真的谈判
。2. hand over 移交
The present leaders have to decide whether to stand down and hand over to a younger generation
现任领导层必须决定是否应退居二线,把重任移交给更为年轻的一代
。3. at stake 处于危险境地;处于成败关头
The Chinese nation has reached a point where its very existence is at stake.
中华民族到了这生死存亡的关头
。