How can I catch on these phrases?

"How things have changed! In 1995 the United States can look back on five years of solid growth while Japan has been struggling. Few Americans attribute this solely to such obvious causes as a devalued dollar or the turning of the business cycle. " American industry has changed its structure, has gone on a diet, has learnt to be more quick-witted,

How can I catch on the phrases in italics?
:wink:

[Tdol]

Few Americans attribute this solely = few Americans give these as the only reasons.

has gone on a diet = has cut costs, downsized, etc, to remove economic 'fat'.

Thank you, tdol!

[Tdol]

You're welcome.