reduce
减少，降低    

例句：
Efforts were made to raise efficiency and reduce rejects.
努力提高效率，减少废品。

hold one's peace
保持沉默

例句：
I didn't agree with my teacher, but held my peace as he was rather angry.
我不赞成老师的意见，但由于他在生气，我只好保持沉默。

How long did it last?
持续了多长时间？ 

对话：
A: How did you feel about your interview?
B: I'm not sure if I passed it.
A: How long did it last? 　
B: Only five minutes.
　　　
A：你对这次面试感觉怎样？
B：我对能不能通过把握不大。
A：面试进行了多长时间？
B：只有5分钟。