However, in leaner times having a daughter is a safer bet.

“然而在物资匮乏年代，生女孩是较安全赌注”。

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Many companies have adopted the practice of downsizing in recent times, hoping to make their operations leaner and more efficient.

近些年来，许多公司采用了缩编裁员的政策，希望能以此精简机构，提高效益。

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"In robust times people are more forward-looking, and in leaner times the center of gravity shifts to existing companies, " says Corey.

FORBES: Wet Nurse Wanted

To some extent, they can anticipate the Balkan countries' needs by recalling their own habits in those leaner times.

ECONOMIST: Good neighbours

And he is in the process of identifying a lot of different ways that we can reorganize government to make it work better, leaner and more efficiently for the American people, because we are in times where everybody has got to tighten their belts and do things in the most effective and efficient way.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing