主题：流利美语脱口出

How to SAY IT
　　
　　1.have one’s eye on 看上、留意；想要
　　注解：注意该语的介词搭配的on，其后可跟人、物。原意为“留意看一眼”，亦可作get one’s eye on,引申为试图占有或想得到。此语中的one’s可用其他形容词来代替，诸如have (cast) an evil eye on someone(用毒眼看人，不怀好意地看人)。
　　情景例句：
　　A: Paul, I’ll be back from Shanghai next Monday. Do you want something?
　　B: You, a lucky guy, are always on the business trip, pay attention to your health during this week.
　　A: How about that mini-video? I know you have been having your eye on it for long.
　　B: Great, just you know what I want. I think it will be cheaper in Shanghai.
　　A: OK, that’s settled then.
　　B: Thanks. Call me when you’re back.
　　A：保罗，我下星期一从上海回来，你想要什么吗？
　　B：你这个幸运的家伙，总有出差机会，注意一下身体。
　　A：那个小VCD 机怎么样？我知道你看上它好久了。
　　B：太好啦，还是你了解我。上海那边可能便宜些。
　　A：一言为定。
　　B：谢谢啦。回来后给我打电话。
　　
　　2.have the last laugh 获得最后胜利
　　注解：此语意为“看上去是失败，但却获得最后胜利，最后证明是正确的。”此语亦作 get the last laugh.
　　情景例句：
　　A: You have the last laugh. Congratulations on your success!
　　B: Thank you.
　　A: I’m sorry for what I said before.
　　B: You shouldn’t. It was your words that encouraged me to work harder.
　　A: Doing everything must have courage, right?
　　B: Yeah. I still remember you said I was mad when starting to work to this invention.
　　A：你获得了最后的胜利。我对你的成功表示祝贺。
　　B：谢谢你。
　　A：对我以前说过的话我表示歉意。
　　B：不必，正是你的话激励我更加努力地工作。
　　A：做任何事都要勇气，是吗？
　　B：是呀。我还记得当我开始搞这项发明时，你曾说我疯了。
　　
　　3.heat wave 热浪，酷暑
　　注解：此语指一年中最热的一段时间，且持续的时间较长。如：During the heat wave of 1988, the compilation work went on without cease.（在1988年的酷暑，编撰工作继续进行。）
　　情景例句：
　　A: Summer is coming again.
　　B: It’s good news. I like it. We can put on our beautiful, colorful skirts again.
　　A: But I don’t like it.
　　B: Why? You can go shopping, go swimming, a nice season, and right?
　　A: Yeah. Did you forget the heat wave of last summer? I was almost burned by the sun.
　　B: It was abnormal. I think it won’t happen again.
　　A：夏天又来了。
　　B：真是个好消息。我喜欢夏天。又可以穿漂亮的花裙子了。
　　A：我可不喜欢。
　　B：为什么？你可以去逛街、去游泳，难道不是一个很好的季节么？
　　A：不是。你忘记了去年的酷暑了吗?我差点被太阳烧焦了。
　　B：去年的天气是不正常，但我想以后不会再那样了。
　　
　　4.hedge about with 感情受到限制；感到不自由
　　注解：“hedge”一词最基本的含义指“篱笆、树篱”，引申为“限制、障碍”等。在这里用作动词，字面含义为make a hedge around an area of land(用树篱或其他障碍物围住或隔开)，此词亦作hedge in/around/round with。转引喻指感情时，则指“感情受到限制，感到不自由”。
　　情景例句：
　　A: I hear you’re going to start your own business.
　　B: Yeah. I’ve prepared for a whole year.
　　A: But you’ll be hedged about with lots of rules and regulations.
　　B: I know there will be various kinds of trouble-makers.
　　A: I wish you good luck!
　　B: Thanks, I’m fully prepared, as long as our laws are in effect.
　　A：我听说你开始自己干了。
　　B：对。我为此已准备一年了。
　　A：但你会受到条条框框的限制。
　　B：我知道会受到各种各样人的骚扰。
　　A：祝你好运！
　　B：谢谢。我已做好充分准备，只要我们的法律有效就行。
　　
　　5.hem and haw嗯嗯呃呃，支支吾吾
　　注解：hem为拟声词，指清嗓子时发出的轻咳声，haw则指踌躇，支吾时所发的呃声。此语亦作hum and haw, um and aah.莎士比亚还曾用过hem and hawk, hem and ha, hum and ha等形式，都表示说话踌躇不决。
　　情景例句：
　　A: Why do you talk with me hem and haw?
　　B: I just don’t know how to say it.
　　A: Oh, I see. Tell me the truth, OK?
　　B: Right.
　　A：你怎么和我说话支支吾吾的?
　　B：我不知该怎么说。
　　A：噢，我明白了。告诉我真相，好吗？
　　B：好吧。
　　
　　6.hide one’s light under a bushel不露锋芒；过分谦逊
　　注解：Bushel是英美用来计量谷物、水果、蔬菜等的容量单位，也指容量为一蒲式耳的木制或泥制容器。此语出自《圣经·新约》《马太福音》第5章第14~15节耶稣在山上对门徒的训示即山上宝训（the Sermon on the Mount）的其中一段话：“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”(你们是世上的光。城造在山上是不能隐藏的。人点灯，不放在斗底下，是放在登台上，就照亮一家的人。)此语亦作hide one’s candle under a bushel。情景例句：
　　A: The new clerk was a clever mathematician but was content to hide his light under a bushel.
　　B: There are few people like him in this world now.
　　A: Yeah, a lot of people believe that showing themselves in every aspect is the truth of life.
　　B: They think they will get the entire thing they want to do in such way.
　　A: But things always don’t go on as what we expected.
　　A：这个新职员是个聪明的数学家，但他总是不露锋芒。
　　B：这样的人现在太少了。
　　A：对呀，大多数人都相信尽量展现自己各个方面才是生活的真谛。
　　B：他们觉得唯有这样才能得到自己想要的一切。
　　A：但是事情往往并不像我们想的那样发展。
　　
　　7.hit below the belt暗箭中伤
　　注解：hit below the belt源于拳击运动。根据“昆斯伯里侯爵规则”（the Marquis of Queensbury Rules）:打击对手腰部以下部位即为犯规行动。hit below the belt便喻指“犯规，暗箭伤人；玩卑鄙手段”。
　　情景例句：
　　A: Why do you think of him that way?
　　B: Because I have been conned by him several times.
　　A: You mean he hit you below the belt?
　　B: Yeah. He badmouthed me and stole the show.
　　A：你为什么会那么想他?
　　B：因为我吃过他几次亏了。
　　A：你是说他暗箭伤人?
　　B：是的。他说我的坏话，还排挤我以表现自己。
　　
　　8.hit the roof大发雷霆；（物价）上涨超过最高限度
　　注解：此语与hit the ceiling一语相同，如：When Emily came home at three in the morning, her father hit the roof. (埃米莉凌晨3点回家时，她的父亲大发雷霆。) 此语也可写作go through the roof。
　　情景例句：
　　A: Please put that back before the teacher sees you and hits the roof!
　　B: The teacher will not come here this time.
　　A: You should be careful!
　　B: Never mind.
　　A: 趁老师没看见之前放好了，免得他大发雷霆。
　　B： 老师这会不会来。
　　A: 还是小心点好。
　　B： 不要紧。
　　
　　9.Hobson’s choice 霍布森选择法——无可选择，没有选择的余地
　　注解：1712年10月14日第509期的《参观者》（Spectator）杂志刊登斯帝尔（Steele）的文章，说明此语的起源。托拜厄斯·霍布森（Tobias Hobson）在剑桥开了一间客栈，并出租马匹，他有许多马，但只让租马人拉最靠门厩的马，而不容选择。此语就因而产生。其实,霍布森的这种做法是有道理的。因为靠近厩门的马休息时间最长。此人当时押有大量财产，在剑桥举办过多次宴会，有一条就以他的名字来命名。
　　情景例句：
　　A: I don’t want to go home. They are quarrelling with each other every day.
　　B: But you are penniless now.
　　A: So it is a case of Hobson’s choice for me.
　　B: Yeah.
　　A：我不想回家，他们总是吵呀吵呀。
　　B：但你现在身无分文。
　　A：所以我别无选择。
　　B：对呀。
流利美语脱口出
范琳琳　孙文龙

1. in season应时的；及时的
　　A: Strawberries?
　　B: Yeah. Your favorite, right?
　　A: They are in season now?
　　B: I found them this morning, so I bought some. Let’s taste.
　　A: So nice. Thank you. You always know what I like.
　　A：草莓？
　　B：对呀，你的最爱，不是吗？
　　A：现在已上市了吗？
　　B：我今早才发现的，就买了些尝尝。
　　A：真好，谢谢。你总知道我喜欢什么。
　　
　　2. in somebody’s black/bad books 失宠于某人
　　A: I heard that she had left him.
　　B: She should do such thing as early as possible.
　　A: Do you know the reason?
　　B: What? Maybe she has found out what a man he is really like?
　　A: No, just because she was in his black books.
　　B: Ah....
　　A：我听说她离开了他。
　　B：她早该这么做。
　　A：你知道原因吗？
　　B：什么？或许是她发现了他的真正为人？
　　A：不，只是她失宠于他了。
　　B：啊……
　　
　　3. in the light of鉴于；当做
　　A: I don’t want to stay here any more.
　　B: You want the “freedom”?
　　A: Do you agree on my being released from the hospital, doctor?
　　B: In the light of your health, you’d better stay here for another day or two.
　　A: OK, it’s up to you.
　　A：我不想再呆在这儿了。
　　B：你想要“自由”。
　　A：大夫，你同意我出院吗？
　　B：考虑到你的健康，你最好再呆个一两天吧。
　　A：好吧，就听你的吧。
　　
　　4. in the long run毕竟，终究；归根结底
　　A: What’s your idea about shopping?
　　B: In the long run, it’s better to buy a well-finished article than shoddy one.
　　A: You mean, when you buy something, you pay attention to the brand.
　　B: In some way, I think the famous brands make me have the assurance of the quality, the service and something like that.
　　A: OK. Thank you.
　　A：你购物的观点是什么？
　　B：从长远的观点来看，买精美的东西比买次品要好。
　　A：你的意思是，当你买东西的时候，你会考虑牌子。
　　B：在某种程度上，我觉得名牌给我一种品质、服务或诸如此类的保证。
　　A：好，谢谢你。
　　
　　5. in the matter of 就……而言，在……方面
　　A: Where have you decided to go?
　　B: No.
　　A: Why, there has been left ten days to go on vacation.
　　B: I know, but my wife and I have the divergences in the matter of the place. I want to go to the South and she wants the North.
　　A: I say, you go abroad for a travel. It must be interesting and now the expenses are much cheaper.
　　B: Great idea!
　　A：你决定去哪儿了没有？
　　B：还没呢。
　　A：怎么回事，只有10天的假了。
　　B：我和我妻子关于去的地方意见不一。我想去南方，而她想去北方。
　　A：我说你们干脆出境游。既有趣味，花费也不高。
　　B：这是个好主意！
　　
　　6. in the nick of time在事情正好发生的时候，在关键时刻
　　A: He has come to life in the end.
　　B: Oh, thank God. We all felt frightened by the bad news about him.
　　A: Yes. Fortunately, an ambulance passed in the nick of time, and we got him away to hospital.
　　B: Right. Unless, who knows what will happen.
　　A: Wish him be healthy soon.
　　A：他终于醒过来了。
　　B：噢，真是感谢上帝。一听到关于他的坏消息，我们都吓坏了。
　　A：就是。幸亏一辆救护车经过，我们才把他送到医院去。
　　B：是呀，不然，谁知道会发生什么事。
　　A：但愿他赶快好起来。

1.ifs and buts 借口，托词
　　注解：此语含义为if you don’t want any ifs and buts, you want someone to do something quickly without arguing. If一词在此为名词。此语也可写作ifs, ands, 或buts，如：No ifs and buts—just make sure the job is done by tomorrow.（别吵了——要保证到明天为止工作能完成。）
　　场景对话：
　　A: What does the boss say?
　　B: She wants this work finished before we go home.
　　A: But we have ...
　　B: We’ll have no ifs and buts from any of us.
　　A: Oh. Time is so limited.
　　B: Yeah. So let’s begin now.
　　A: OK.
　　A: 老板怎么说？
　　B： 她想让我们在回家之前做完工作。
　　A: 可我们又……
　　B： 我们任何人不能提出任何额外的要求。
　　A: 噢，时间太紧了。
　　B： 对呀。那我们现在开始吧。
　　A: 好。
　　
　　2.in a way 在某种程度上，从某方面看
　　注解：此语表示态度和看法，指“在某种程度上，从某方面看”。也可写作in one way,如：Well, in one way you’re right, but it’s not as simple as that.（在某种程度上你是对的，但问题并不是那么简单。）做此意义的way 还构成了in some ways 这一习语。in no way“决不”，表示一种态度。
　　场景对话：
　　A: Many people don’t think much of the movie.
　　B: I think differently. In a way, it is a very good film.
　　It gives a vivid description of subtle emotions.
　　A: I couldn’t agree more. And the photographed scene is very beautiful.
　　B: And the music.
　　A: It’s great.
　　A：许多人觉得这部电影不怎么样。
　　B：我不这么看，在某种程度上它还是相当不错的。它把人物那种复杂的感情刻画得淋漓尽致。
　　A：完全正确。它拍的景色也很美。
　　B：还有音乐。
　　A：真是棒极了。
　　
　　3.in all conscience当然，的确
　　注解：这是《简明牛津词典》所用的一种断言习语。最接近的同义词是extremely(非常)，certainly(一定)，indeed(的确)。
　　场景对话：
　　A: I think the fee his lawyer charged for drawing up the deed was enough in all conscience.
　　B: Yeah, we all think so.
　　A: At first, I thought he would charge less.
　　B: No, I never think so. You know, he makes a living on such thing.
　　A: So even brothers keep careful accounts.
　　B: You said it.
　　A：他的律师为他起草契约所收的费用的确足够多了。
　　B：我们也这么想。
　　A：原先，我想他会收少一些。
　　B：这个我可从没想过。你看，他就是靠这个吃饭的。
　　A：所以说“亲兄弟也要明算账”。
　　B：你算是说对了。
　　
　　4.in order以一种特殊的方式安排; 处于良好的状态
　　注解：此语中order为名词，意为“次序，整齐”。其基本含义为“以一种特殊的方式安排”。引申为“处于良好的状态”，如：Chairs were arranged and printed material put in order.（椅子排得整整齐齐，印刷材料放得井井有条。）其常用的形式为do sth. in order。其反义词为out of order“次序颠倒，不合规程”。根据需要也可在order前加上形容词，如：in chronological/alphabetical order等。
　　场景对话：
　　A: What a mess!
　　B: Let’s get the things in order.
　　A: OK, Mum will be here soon.
　　B: But no matter how we try, Mum will see something unusual. Do you think she will dress us down?
　　A: Probably not. She used to be a child like us.
　　A：多乱啊！
　　B：我们把东西收拾一下吧。
　　A：好吧。妈妈就要回来了。
　　B：无论如何妈妈总会看出破绽的。你说妈妈会不会狠狠地说我们？
　　A：应该不会吧。她也曾是个小孩子呀。
　　
　　5.in the dog days 三伏天；酷暑期
　　注解：In the dog days的字面意思是“在狗的日子里”，指的是“酷热的暑期”“夏季最炎热的日子”。从词源上说，dog days来自拉丁语dies caniculars，英语作canicular days（犬日），原指一年中这个时期，天狼星（Sirius）与太阳同升同落，特别在南方气候非常闷热。天狼星，亦称“犬星”（the dog star），因此称大热天为“狗日”。In the dog days是一年中最热的时期，人们一般在此期间什么也不干，所以，dog days又可比喻成“无精打采的日子”“无所作为的时期”。
　　场景对话：
　　A: It’s always cool in the seaside city, even in the dog days.
　　B: But it’s too crowded in summer.
　　A: Is that because people from the south are escaping heat here?
　　B:I think so.
　　A: But the revenue of tourist trade is also high.
　　A：海滨城市总是很凉爽，即使是在炎热夏季。
　　B：可人太多了。
　　A：是因为南方人也过来避暑吗？
　　B：我想是吧。
　　A：不过，旅游收入也很高呀。
　　
　　6.in memory of sb.为了纪念某人
　　注解:此语指“为了纪念某人”,如：She set up a charitable fund in memory of her father.（为了纪念她的父亲，她建了一个慈善机构。）此语也可写作to the memory of sb., 如：to the memory of my wife.（谨以此纪念亡妻。）
场景对话：
　　A: She has contributed to a new school.
　　B: Oh, I know. She is a famous woman and a focus of the newspaper now because of this thing.
　　A: I heard the school is very modern. It has the best equipment.
　　B: Yes. Do you know its name?
　　A: She said she would name it after her father.
　　B: Oh, I think she wants to do this thing in memory of her father.
　　A：她捐建了一所新学校。
　　B：我知道，她很有名气，这事又会成为报纸的焦点了。
　　A：听说学校十分现代化，配备了最好的设备。
　　B：是的。你知道它的名字吗？
　　A：她说将以其父亲的名字命名。
　　B：我想她是用这所学校来纪念她的父亲的。
　　
　　7.in one’s /the mind’s eye 在记忆中，在想象中
　　注解：此语出自莎士比亚的著名悲剧《哈姆雷特》（Hamlet）第1幕第2场。丹麦王后在国王暴死后不久就同篡位的新王结了婚，这使年轻王子哈姆雷特心灵上大受刺激。当他的好友霍拉旭（Horatio）赶来看他时，两人之间有段场景对话。他说自己仿佛看见了亲生父亲，霍拉旭问：“啊，在什么地方，殿下？”他回答说：“In my mind’s eye.”（在我心灵的眼睛里）。此语由此用来表示“在想象中”或“在记忆中”。
　　场景对话：
　　A: Whether there is a heaven in the world?
　　B: Who knows?
　　A: But somebody really believes there is one.
　　B: I think they only see it in their mind’s eye.
　　A: Maybe just like I always see a beautiful garden laid out in my mind’s eyes when I travel by train,though in actual fact, it is still but a piece of field.
　　B: Right!
　　A：世上是不是真有天堂？
　　B：谁知道？
　　A：但有些人真相信它存在。
　　B：我觉得那只不过是种想象。
　　A：或许就像我每次乘火车旅行总会想象眼前是一片伸展的美丽花园，尽管事实上只是一片田野。
　　B：对啦！
　　
　　8.in one’s/sb’s own good time 在某人方便之时
　　注解：该习语的意思是“在某人准备好的时候”。例如：I’ll speak to him about it in my own good time.（我会在方便的时候告诉他这件事的。）注意它与其他短语的区别：in good time表示“及时，及早”；in one’s own time表示“在空闲时间”；in one’s time表示“在某人年轻时；在某人一生中的某个时期”。
　　场景对话：
　　A: What are you doing all the time? I find you’re so busy.
　　B: Yeah. Now I have a part-time job at the radio station.
　　A: Wonderful. Mary, would you mind going shopping with me someday?
　　B: Certainly not. You can call on me in your own good time.
　　A: Fantastic!
　　A: 你这些日子都在干吗?我发现你非常忙。
　　B： 对呀。我现在在电台打一份零工。
　　A: 不错呀，玛丽，哪天你陪我逛街好吗？
　　B： 当然可以，只要你方便就可以来找我。
　　A: 太好了。

1. A-lister 超级巨星
　　A: Maggie told me that she would go to the party tonight.
　　 玛吉告诉我她今晚要去那个晚会。
　　B: Oh, how I envy her! You know, lots of A-listers will be at that party!
　　哦，我真羡慕她！你知道吗，那可是个巨星云集的晚会呀！
　　A: I wish I were invited, too.
　　真希望也有人邀请我去。
　　B: Me too!
　　我也是！
　　
　　2. sling 绷带
　　A: I haven’t seen Jack for a while, wonder what he’s been doing.
　　有一阵子没见杰克了，不知道他在做什么。
　　B: Well, he had a bad fall and broke his shoulder. So he had to take some days off.
　　他摔了一跤把肩膀跌坏了，所以他得休息几天。
　　A: He did? Oh, I am so sorry to hear that.
　　是吗？真同情他。
　　B: Fortunately, it was nothing serious, I saw him yesterday, he had his arm in a sling.
　　幸运的是没什么大碍，我昨天见到他了，他吊着绷带呢。
　　
　　3. camisole蕾丝小背心，女用有花边的内衣
　　A: How do you like this camisole? I just bought it today.
　　你觉得我这件蕾丝小背心怎样？我今天才买的。
　　B: I would like it more if it were in pink.
　　我觉得如果是粉红色就更好看了。
　　A: Well, I might need to go there to have an exchange.
　　嗯，或许我该去换一件。
　　B: It is up to you, after all, if you like it, you can just wear it in blue.
　　完全在于你自己的想法咯，只要自己喜欢，大可以穿蓝色的啊。
　　
　　4. open-toed heels 前面露脚趾的那种高跟鞋
　　A: Will you go shopping with me?
　　能和我一起去逛街吗？
　　B: Again? But you only went shopping yesterday!
　　 又去？你不是昨天才去的吗？
　　A: Well, I just found out that I need open-toed heels to go with the new dress I bought yesterday.
　　我刚发现要买一双露脚趾的高跟鞋来配我昨天买的那条裙子。
　　B: OK, I will go with you.
　　
　　好吧，我陪你去。
　　
　　5. typo 打字错误，印刷错误
　　A: I would really appreciate it if you can proofread my CV for me.
　　如能帮忙看一下我的简历，感激不尽。
　　B: No problem, give it to me.
　　没问题，拿来吧。
　　A: What do you think?
　　你觉得如何？
　　B: All is good except that there is a typo here, I think you need to change that bit.
　　其他都没什么，就是这个地方，你打错了一个字，我觉得你该改过来。
　　
　　6. stone 14磅（6.35千克）
　　A: You look much slimmer these days!
　　你这阵子看起来苗条多了。
　　B: Yes, I lost two stones!
　　是啊，我减了28磅呢！
　　A: You did? Amazing! How did you do that?
　　是吗？真不得了！你怎么做到的？
　　B: Well, just eat more healthy food and go exercising more.
　　嗯，就是吃得更健康些，多运动些。
　　
　　7. clutch 女用手抓小坤包（不带包带的那种）
　　A: May I help you, miss?
　　需要些什么，小姐？
　　B: Well, I am looking for a birthday present for my best friend.
　　我想给我最好的朋友买一件生日礼物。
　　A: How about this clutch? We just had it today.
　　你看这个小坤包怎么样？今天才到的货。
　　B: Oh, it’s lovely, I guess I will get it for her.
　　哦，真可爱，我想我就买这个给她好了。
　　
　　8. flip-flops 夹脚趾的凉拖
　　A: It’s really getting warmer these days!
　　最近天气真的越来越热了！
　　B: Yes, it is much warmer than the same time last year.
　　是哦，比去年同时间要热多了。
　　A: I guess I need to buy some more flip-flops again.
　　我想我该去再买几双凉拖。
　　B: Me too!
　　我也是。
　　
　　9. storyline 故事情节发展
　　A: Have you read the book “Da Vinci Code”?
　　你看了那本《达·芬奇密码》了吗？
　　B: Yeah, it is a bit controversial, but it is very well-written.
　　看了，这是本有争议的书，但是写得相当好。
　　A: What impress you most?
　　你印象最深的是什么？
　　B: I think the surprise twists in the storyline are its greatest strength.
　　我认为一系列意想不到的故事情节发展是该书最吸引人的地方。
　　
　　10. flair （天生的）才能本领
　　A: How many languages can your friend Alex speak?
　　你朋友亚历克斯能讲几国语言？
　　B: Four.
　　四国。
　　A: Wow, that’s really something!
　　哇，真了不起！
　　B: It seems that he has a flair for languages.
　　他好像有学语言的天赋。

How to Say It
　　
　　1. dogsbody 杂役，做别人都不愿意做的事情的人
　　A: How’s your new job?
　　你的新工作怎么样？
　　B: You know what, the job turned out to be a little more than a role for an office dogsbody. I don’t understand why they need someone with a master’s degree and ten years’ work experience to do that.
　　 你知道吗，这个工作实际就是做杂役，我真搞不懂他们为什么要雇一个有硕士学位、10年工作经验的人来做这些。
　　A: So your job description has nothing to do with what you actually do day to day?
　　你是说当初招聘你时，所写的那些工作职责，和你实际每天做的都不同咯？
　　B: Yes, instead of “managing complex cases”, I found myself photocopying and tidying up files, it is such a waster of taxpayer’s money because someone on half my salary could do the same job.
　　 是啊，当初上面说什么“处理复杂的案例”，可是实际我每天就是复印和整理档案。真是浪费纳税人的钱，因为拿我一半薪水的人都可以做同样的工作。
　　2. foldaway 折叠式的
　　A: How can I help you?
　　需要什么吗？
　　B: I am looking for something for a total body workout.
　　我想买一个能帮助全身运动的机器。
　　A: Why don’t you try this foldaway rowing machine? Its full sculling action challenges shoulders, abs and legs for fast, muscle-toning results. It is exclusively designed for people with a busy lifestyle, limited space and a desire to stay fit.
　　不妨试试这个折叠式划船机。它的全面摇桨动作可以帮助锻炼肩膀、腹部和腿部的肌肉，能快速达到紧实肌肉的作用。它专门为了忙碌的而又想保持健康的人士设计的，又不需要占用多大空间。
　　B: Sounds good. I will think about it.
　　听起来不错。我会考虑。
　　
　　3. tequila 龙舌兰酒 (at a pub)
　　A: Can I take your order, miss?
　　小姐要点什么？
　　B: Red wine, please.
　　请给我一杯红酒。
　　A: And you, sir?
　　先生呢？
　　B: A tequila please.
　　请来一杯龙舌兰酒。
　　4. High-flying 成功的，抱负高的
　　A: I am glad that America Ferrera won a Golden Globe for playing the little role in Ugly Betty.
　　我很高兴亚美莉卡·弗伦拉演的《丑女也有出头天》为她赢得了金球奖。
　　B: Yes, it was very well deserved as she plays the part so convincingly.
　　是啊，我觉得她应该得这个奖，她演的角色非常令人信服。
　　A: Ms Ferrera’s acting meant Betty grabbed my sympathy from the very beginning. I love the glimpses into Betty’s chaotic home life and stressful job. She’s lovely!
　　 弗伦拉的演技使我从剧的第一集开始就非常同情贝蒂。我很爱看贝蒂那混乱的家庭生活和高度紧张的工作，她很可爱！
　　B: Yes. Life in the high-flying fashion world is far from glamorous for Ugly Betty.
　　是哦，那样充满成功人士的时尚界工作对丑女贝蒂来说的确不是那么迷人。
　　5. mental 发疯了
　　A: Henry just told me that he would drop out of university.
　　亨利刚告诉我他不上大学了。
　　B: Really, why?
　　是吗？为什么？
　　A: He said he just didn’t want the degree.
　　他说他就是不想要这个学位。
　　B: He must be mental.
　　他一定是疯了。
　　6. charismatic 具有超凡魅力的
　　A: You are lucky to have such a good professor.
　　你真幸运有个这么好的教授。
　　B: You mean Professor Young? .
　　你是说杨教授？
　　A: Yes, such a man with charismatic personality.
　　是啊，那么有性格魅力。
　　B: And with movie-star looks!
　　还有电影明星般的长相！
　　7. midge 叮人的类似蚊子的小虫
　　A: Summer in the UK is really nice.
　　英国的夏天真好啊。
　　B: Yes, so cool and beautiful, with good weather most of the time.
　　是啊，凉爽、美丽，大多时候都很好。
　　A: Is there anything that is not good?
　　有什么不好的东西吗？
　　B: Well, I live on an isle in Scotland, and we have midges in summer sometimes.
　　 嗯，我住在苏格兰的一个岛上，夏天有的时候会有那种咬人的小虫。
　　8. windfall横财,意外之财
　　A: Let’s go to the Italian restaurant tonight, my treat.
　　 今晚我请你去意大利餐馆吃饭。
　　B: That’s so nice of you, what’s the occasion?
　　 你真好，有什么喜事吗？
　　A: I just got a windfall.
　　 我刚发了笔意外之财。
　　B: Great, congratulations！
　　 太好了，恭喜你啊！

1. self-multilation 自我摧残
　　A: Joe is regressing lately.乔最近退步了。
　　B: I’ve noticed that too, it is the time when he is supposed to be taking great strides forward.
　　我也注意到了。本来这个时候他应该大踏步前进的。
　　A: I think it is time for him to get a grip on himself. You’d better tell him that.
　　我认为他该自我控制了。你最好告诉他。
　　B: I will. Otherwise, I am afraid he is going to end up plucking all his eyebrows out which was a favorite method of self-mutilations when he faces with problems.
　　我会的。否则他又会把眉毛都拔光，每次他遇到问题，就会采取这种自我摧残的方式。
　　
　　2. shallow 浅薄的
　　A: You might think that I am shallow, but I do want to be rich.
　　你或许会认为我浅薄，但我的确想发财。
　　B: You are not shallow, well, no more than the rest of us.
　　你并不浅薄啊，至少不比我们其他人浅薄。
　　A: That’s very kind of you to say so.
　　你人真好，能这么说。
　　B: In my opinion, as long as you use your money wisely, there is nothing wrong to be rich.
　　我认为只要你能明智地使用钱，有钱又有什么错呢。
　　
　　3. lucrative 有利可图的
　　A: Life is meaningless!
　　生活没意思透了！
　　B: Come on, you cannot be so negative!
　　振作点，你不能这么消极啊！
　　A: It is easy for you to say, after all, you’ve got a lucrative job!
　　你当然是站着说话不腰疼咯，毕竟你有一份收入颇丰的工作。
　　B: Well, life isn’t all about money.
　　可是生活并非只是关于钱啊。
　　
　　4. paedophile 恋童癖者
　　A: Did you read the headline of The Daily Mail today?
　　你看了今天《每日邮报》的头条了吗？
　　B: Yes, it was such shocking news.
　　是哦，多么令人震惊的消息。
　　A: It never occurred to me that such a respectable politician could be a paedophile.
　　我从没想到这样一个受人尊敬的政客居然是个恋童癖者。
　　B: It is really disgusting.
　　真的很恶心。
　　
　　5. womanizer玩弄女性之徒
　　A: What kind of man do you hate most?
　　你最讨厌哪一类的男人？
　　B: I don’t like dishonest men.
　　不诚实的。
　　A: I hate womanizer.
　　我讨厌那些玩弄女性之徒。
　　B: Who doesn’t?
　　谁不讨厌那些人呢？
　　
　　6. packed 拥挤的，塞满了的
　　A: Nice to see you again after a while. You look tired.
　　有阵子没见你了,很高兴又见到你。你看来很累。
　　B: I just got back from Alaska. I left last night and flew all night.The flight was packed so I did not get any sleep.
　　我才从阿拉斯加回来。昨晚搭乘的晚班飞机，飞了一夜。飞机都挤满了，所以我一夜没合眼。
　　A: Did you like it there?
　　你喜欢阿拉斯加吗？
　　B: It is no place for a city girl, I had to say.
　　我不得不说，那地方不适合城市女孩。
　　
　　7. colossal 巨大的
　　A: What are you doing recently?
　　你最近在做什么？
　　B: I am working on a big project.
　　我在做一个大项目。
　　A: What do you think of it?
　　你觉得这个项目如何？
　　B: The task is colossal.
　　任务非常巨大。
　　
　　8. swap 交换
　　A:How did you like the party last night?
　　昨晚的晚会如何？
　　B: It was boring. Married women swap stories about husbands, childbirth and kids.
　　无聊透了，已婚的女性们都在聊关于老公、生孩子和孩子的事情。
　　A: No wonder, as a young and unmarried girl, you would find it boring.
　　你是一个年轻的未婚女孩，难怪你会觉得很无聊。
　　B: I had absolutely nothing to say.
　　我都没有话可说。

1. outshine 使相形见绌
　　 http://www.ryedu.net/
　　A: Brad always steals the limelight.
　　布拉德总是引人注目的中心。
　　B: Who can blame him? He is so handsome.
　　谁能怪他呢，谁让他那么帅？
　　A: He outshines all of us.
　　他使得我们所有人相形见绌。
　　B: I am afraid it is true.
　　是啊。
　　
　　2. ditch 甩掉
　　
　　A: I thought there would only be the two of us! I really want to spend some time alone with you!
　　我原先以为只有我们两个人呢, 我确实想和你独处一下！
　　B: Well, my sister insisted on coming with us,
　　I had to take her along.
　　嗯，我妹妹一定要跟来，我只好带着她咯。
　　A: Let’s ditch her!
　　我们把她甩掉怎样？
　　B: I am afraid we cannot do so.
　　恐怕我们不能这么做。
　　
　　3. pinpoint 指出,查明
　　
　　A: I went to the fortune-teller yesterday.
　　我昨天去算命了。
　　B: Again? So what did she say to you this time?
　　又去啦？这次她说什么了？
　　A: She said I was going to meet my Mr. Right very soon. Unfortunately, she said she couldn’t pinpoint the exact date.
　　她说我很快就能遇到我的白马王子了。可惜她没法指出具体的时间。
　　B: Well, good luck then. Wish you would meet him soon.
　　那就祝你好运啦！希望你能早日碰到他。
　　
　　4. text message 手机短信
　　
　　A: What’s so funny?
　　什么东西那么好笑啊？
　　B: I just got a text message from a friend, and it is hilarious!
　　刚收到朋友发的一条短信，简直爆笑！
　　A: Can you forward it to me?
　　你能把它转发给我吗？
　　B: Sure, what’s your mobile phone number again?
　　当然。把你手机号码再告诉我一遍。
　　
　　5. eyesore 丑的东西，眼中钉
　　
　　A: What do you think of the new building in George Square?
　　你觉得乔治广场的那座新建筑如何？
　　B: I don’t like it, to be honest.
　　说实话，我不喜欢。
　　A: I think it is an eyesore.
　　我觉得它简直难看至极。
　　B: Don’t know why it was built in the first place...
　　不知道他们究竟为什么要建这样一个建筑。
　　
　　6. forwarding address 转寄地址
　　
　　（你搬家前留下的地址，好让人帮你的信转到新地址去）
　　A: Can I ask you a favor?
　　能帮我个忙吗？
　　B: Sure!
　　当然！
　　A: Can I leave my forwarding address to you so that you can send on my mails to me?
　　我能把我的转寄地址留给你，你好帮我转信去我的新地址吗？
　　B: No problem.
　　没问题。
　　
　　7. heaven-sent 天赐的，天赋的
　　
　　A: So you are going to the States to study for your master’s degree?
　　你要去美国读硕士啦？
　　B: Yes, I got the full scholarship. I am the only Asian student chosen.
　　是啊，我得到了全额奖学金，我是唯一被选中的亚洲学生。
　　A: It is really a heaven-sent opportunity!
　　真是一个天赐的好机会呀！
　　B: Yes, I will make full use of it.
　　是啊，我会好好珍惜的。
　　
　　8. shortbread 用面粉、奶油和糖掺和做成的脆饼
　　
　　A: Tea or coffee?
　　来点茶还是咖啡呢？
　　B: Tea, please.
　　请给我杯茶。
　　A: Here are some shortbread and some home-made cakes.
　　这里还有点饼干和自己家做的蛋糕。
　　B: Thank you!
　　谢谢！

1. reverse culture shock 逆向文化冲击
　　(指居住在国外一段时间的人回到自己故土时会经历的那种文化冲击)
　　
　　A: I am going to go back home!
　　我快要回家啦。
　　B: You must be very excited! You’ve been living in France for over 10 years!
　　你肯定很激动吧，你已经在法国待了10几年了。
　　A: Yes, and I am so looking forward to it!
　　 是啊，我真是迫不及待了。
　　B: Be prepared for reverse culture shock.
　　做好心理准备，可能你会经历逆向文化冲击。
　　
　　2. on top of另外
　　（通常指在一系列其他问题之上，又存在了一个特别的新问题）
　　
　　A: Why do you look so worried?
　　 你为什么看起来这么忧愁啊？
　　B: I was told that an extra 10 jobs would be cut in our company.
　　有人告诉我，我们单位还要再裁掉10个人。
　　A: What? On top of the 30 that were cut last month？
　　 什么？上个月不是才裁掉30个吗？这不是雪上加霜嘛！
　　B: Yes. That’s why I am so worried.
　　是啊,这就是我忧愁的原因了。
　　
　　3. pay sb. a compliment 夸赞某人
　　
　　A: I like little John, he is such a nice boy.
　　我很喜欢小约翰，他真是个很好的男孩。
　　B: Is it because he always pays you a compliment whenever he sees you?
　　你这么说，是否因为他每次见到你都夸赞你呢？
　　A: Well, don’t you like him?
　　 难道你不喜欢他吗？
　　B: I am only kidding. I adore him. I wish I had a son like him!
　　我开玩笑的。我很喜欢他。如果我有个像他一样的儿子就好了。
　　
　　4. put down (an animal) 宰杀（衰老或有病的动物）、弄死
　　
　　A: My dog was hit by a car yesterday.
　　我的狗昨天被车撞了。
　　B: Oh, my God! What happened afterwards?
　　天哪，后来怎样了？
　　A: I took it to the hospital immediately but it was so seriously hurt it was beyond cure and it suffered so much I had to choose to put it down.
　　我立刻带它去了医院，但它伤势太重没法治了，熬着又很痛苦，我只有选择让它安乐死。
　　B: Oh, I am so sorry to hear that!
　　我很为你难过。
　　
　　5. have second thoughts 重新考虑后改变主意（想法）
　　
　　A: Why, you are back!
　　哎哟，你怎么回来啦！
　　B: Yes, I had thought of getting out of town, put some distance between us...
　　是啊，我原来打算离开这里，和你隔开一段距离……
　　A: Then you had second thoughts?
　　接着你又改变想法啦？
　　B: Yes, the moment I left the house, I realized how much I love you and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving.
　　是啊，我一离开这座房子，就意识到我多么爱你，我不能忍受离开你。
　　
　　6. dress code 着装要求
　　
　　A: I will go to my new job from next Monday on.
　　我下周一开始就去新地方上班啦。
　　B: Congratulations! Have you found out about the dress code?
　　恭喜！你知道着装要求吗？
　　A: Yes, smart casual.
　　是的，商务便装类的。
　　B: So no jeans, I suppose.
　　就是不能穿牛仔裤之类的咯。
　　
　　7. wipe the slate clean 将过去的（错误、失误或欠债）一笔勾销
　　
　　A: What happened to William & Sons?
　　威廉父子公司后来怎样了？
　　B: Well, it seems that they declared bankruptcy.
　　嗯，好像他们宣布破产了。
　　A: So they have wiped the slate clean?
　　那就是说他们能将过去一笔勾销咯？
　　B: I think it unfair for their customers, but yes, they can start all over again now.
　　是啊，我觉得对他们的客户来说有点不公平，不过他们倒是可以重新来过了。
　　
　　8. gut instinct 感觉
　　
　　A: Have you decided which job to take?
　　你决定选哪个工作了吗？
　　B: Well, it is really hard to decide, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
　　嗯，真的很难决定，因为两个工作各有其好处，也各有其弊端。
　　A: Then I suggest you go with your gut instinct.
　　这样的话，我建议你按照直觉去行事。
　　B: I guess I should do that.
　　我想我应该那么做。

cheesy
　　（质量）低劣的;下等的
　　
　　英解：shoddy, lacking in taste
　　 “cheesy”这个字通常用来形容一件东西的“品味”和“质感”不高，不仅不符合一般人的审美观念，而且给人一种“廉价”、“低俗”的感觉。
　　A: Hey, where did you get those sunglasses? They are so cheesy!
　　 喂，你从哪儿弄来那副太阳眼镜？真劣质！
　　B: I bought them in a flea market. They only cost me three bucks.
　　 我在跳蚤市场买的。这副眼镜才花了我三块美金。
　　
　　make a mental note
　　铭记在心
　　
　　英解: to make an effort to store something in your memory so that you will not forget
　　 “Make/take a note of”是“把……记下来”的意思。而“make a mental note”就像是“在心里做笔记”，换句话说，也就是把重要的事情铭记在心。
　　A: Remember to return my book tomorrow. You've borrowed it for almost a month.
　　 记得明天把书还给我。我已经借了快一个月了。
　　B: Sorry. I'll make a mental note of it.
　　 对不起，我会牢记在心的。
　　
　　a light bulb goes on
　　灵光乍现
　　
　　英解:a sudden understanding or idea
　　
　　英文用“电灯泡突然亮了起来”来形容人灵光乍现，一分钟前还想不到的答案，突然间浮现在脑海里的意思。
　　A: How did you figure out the answer to the math question?
　　 这个数学习题的答案你是怎么想出来的？
　　B: A light bulb just went on. I'd suddenly remembered something the teacher said in class.
　　 我灵光乍现，突然想起老师在课堂上说过的一个东西。
　　
　　money to burn
　　花不完的钱
　　
　　英解：lots of money
　　英文用“money to burn”来比喻一个人的钱多到花不完，就连把钞票拿来烧都不在乎。
　　A: I heard Bill bought another Porche recently. I don't get why he wants so many cars.
　　 我听说比尔最近又买了一辆保时捷。我真搞不懂他要那么多车子干嘛。
　　B: Yeah, it seems that he has money to burn.
　　 对啊，他好像有花不完的钱似的。