The drive shaft is able to contract, expand, and change operating angles while transmitting torque through the use of universal joints and slip joints.

在万象头和伸缩接头的应用下，传动轴还能进行收缩，伸展或改变运行角度等方式来传递扭矩。

youdao

Some analysts had already feared that it could contract again in the first quarter of 2013, which would mean the UK would slip back into recession.

BBC: UK retail sales fall unexpectedly in January