今天我们要学的词是 ratchet up.

ratchet 是一种单向转动的棘轮装置，ratchet up 就是加压、勒紧的意思。The United States ratchets up pressure on Venezuela, imposing sanctions and revoking the visas of high-ranking officials. 美国加大对委内瑞拉的压力，对其实施制裁并取消其高级官员的签证。

Venezuela expelled a group of visiting European lawmakers Sunday, ratcheting up political tensions over the leadership crisis. 委内瑞拉驱逐了一组来访的欧洲医院，加剧了该国领导人危机带来的政治紧张局势。