His efforts to stem the tide of violent crime have been as effective as Canute's.

他遏制暴力犯罪增长的努力一直是螳臂当车。

《牛津高阶英汉双解词典》

However, it is by no means certain that tougher penalties will stem the tide.

然而, 越发严峻的刑罚并不意味着肯定能遏止绑架浪潮.

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