In speaking with hundreds of executives and senior leaders over the past twenty years, certain phrases consistently come up as career-limiting phrases that jeopardize one’s professional image and potential for promotion.
通过过去二十年来和诸多高管及领导的交流，我发现有些话在职场中比较禁忌，可能会毁掉一个人的职业形象甚或升职机会。
To the speaker they may seem like harmless words, however, to the listener they reveal a more critical issue: In a workplace where employers must be cutting-edge, competitive, and cost-effective, employees who use these phrases will likely be replaced with those who convey a more positive attitude, collaborative spirit, proactive behavior and professional demeanor. Here are 13 phrases that should be banned from the office:
说者可能无意，但听者却会看到更为本质的问题：身处职场，员工必须走在前沿、具有竞争力并能节约成本，说话不当的员工很可能被态度积极、团结协作、主动采取行动并且专业有素的员工所取代。以下13句话就绝不能在办公室讲：
1. " It's not fair." " 这不公平。"
She got a raise, you didn't. He was recognized, you weren't. Some people have food to eat while others starves. Injustices happen on the job and in the world every day. Whether it's a troubling issue at work or a serious problem for the planet, the point in avoiding this phrase is to be proactive about the issues versus complaining, or worse, passively whining. Instead, document the facts, build a case, and present an intelligent argument to the person or group who can help you.
她加薪了，你却没有；他受器重了，而你没有。有人温饱就有人挨饿，世界上不公平随处可见，职场也一样。不论是工作碰上麻烦还是地球遇到灾难，要避免不公平，就得积极解决问题，而不是抱怨或者消极发牢骚。相反，你应该实事求是地、向能够提供帮助的人或组织有理有据地来表达意见。
2. “That's not my problem,” “That's not my job,” or “I don't get paid enough for this.”
“那不是我的问题”，“那不是我的工作”或“这不是我的分内之事”。
If you asked someone for help, and the person replied with one of the above phrases, how would you feel? As importantly, what would it say about him or her? Regardless of how inconvenient or inappropriate a request may be, it is likely important to the other person or they would not have asked. Therefore, as a contributing member of the team, a top priority is to care about the success of others (or at least act as though you do). An unconcerned, detached and self-serving attitude quickly limits career advancement.
如果你请某人帮忙，却得到上面这样的回答，你会怎么想？重要的是，说出这种话的人又能怎样呢？不管请求多么不方便或不恰当，如果不那么重要，别人也就不必开口求助了。所以，作为团队成员，首先应将他人的成功放第一位（或至少表示一下自己的心意）。冷漠离群、以自我为中心的态度很快便会断送职业发展。
This doesn't mean it does mean you need to be articulate and thoughtful when saying no. For example, if your boss issues an unreasonable request, rather than saying, ‘you've got to be kidding me. I don't get paid enough for this,’ instead say, ‘I'll be glad to help. Given my current tasks of A, B, and C, which one of these shall I place on hold while I work on this new assignment?’ This clearly communicates teamwork and helpfulness, while reminding your boss of your current work load and the need to set realistic expectations.
这并不是要你有求必应；只是告诉你三思之后再拒绝。例如，如果老板提出不合理的要求，不要说‘开什么玩笑，这根本就不是我的分内之事。’，而应回答‘没问题啊，但我手上还有A、B、C等任务，哪个任务可以暂放一放，以便完成这项新任务呢？’这样说不仅展现了团队精神和乐于助人，还提醒了老板你手上还有活儿，要求不可太过分。
3. “I think…”“我认为……”
Which of these two statements sounds more authoritative?: “I think our company might be a good partner for you.” Or, “I believe…”“I know…” or “I am confident that our company will be a good partner for you.”
下面哪句话听上去更有力？：“我认为我们公司可能成为贵方的良好伙伴。”或“我相信/我知道/我确信我们公司将会成为贵方的良好伙伴。”
There is a slight difference in the wording, however the conviction communicated to your customer is profound. You may have noticed, the first phrase contains two weak words, ‘think’ and ‘might.’ They risk making you sound unsure or insecure about the message. Conversely, the second sentence is assertive and certain. To convey a command of content and passion for your subject, substitute the word ‘think’ with ‘believe’ and replace ‘might’ with ‘will.’
只是用词略有变动，但传达给客户的信心却很不一样。你们应该注意到，第一句话中的‘认为’和‘可能’语气较弱，使信息听上去不那么确凿肯定。相反，第二句话则确信肯定多了。为表达你讲话内容的坚定和激情，应将‘认为’和‘可能’换成‘相信’和‘将要’。
4. “No problem.”“没问题。”
When someone thanks you, the courteous and polite reply is, “You’re welcome.”
当有人向你表示感谢时，礼貌的回答是“不客气”。
The meaning implies that it was a pleasure for you to help the person, and that you receive their appreciation. Though the casual laid-back phrase, ‘no problem’ may intend to communicate this, it falls short. It actually negates the person's appreciation and implies the situation could have been a problem under other circumstances. In business and social situations, if you want to be perceived as well-mannered and considerate, respond to thank you' s with, “You're welcome.”
不客气表示你很乐意提供帮助，并且接受对方的感谢。虽然随意一点说‘没问题’也有同样的功能，但意思却远远不足，不仅忽略了对方的感激之情，而且还暗指这个忙在别的情况下可能是个‘问题’。在职场及社会上，如果你想表现得体贴有教养，还是用“不客气”来回答别人的感谢吧。想学习更多英语知识，请关注口袋英语OKEnglish
5. “I'll try.”“我试试看。”
Imagine it's April 15th and you ask a friend to mail your tax returns before 5pm on his way to the post office. If he replies, ‘Okay, I'll try,’ you'll likely feel the need to mail them yourself. Why? Because that phrase implies the possibility of failure.
假设4月15号那天，你请朋友在下午5点之前顺路去邮局替你寄申报单，朋友回答说‘好啊，我试试看吧。’，你是不是觉得不放心，还是亲自去寄的好呢？为什么会这样？因为“试试看”表示事情也有可能做不好。
In your speech, especially with senior leaders, replace the word ‘try’ with the word and intention of ‘will.’ This seemingly small change speaks volumes.
“在你讲话的时候，尤其是面对上级领导，请把‘试试看’换成‘会去做’。改变虽小，意义却很重大。
6. “He's a jerk,” or “She's lazy,” or “My job stinks,” or “I hate this company.”
“他是个傻瓜”，“她很懒”，“我的工作真糟糕”或“我讨厌这家公司”。
Nothing tanks a career faster than name-calling. Not only does it reveal juvenile school-yard immaturity, it's language that is liable and fire-able.
没什么能比说脏话更快地搞垮职业生涯了。说脏话不仅表示你跟小孩一样幼稚，还可能招来祸患。
Avoid making unkind, judgmental statements that will inevitably reflect poorly on you. If you have a genuine complaint about someone or something, communicate the issue with tact, consideration and neutrality.
千万别说恶意评价，否则最后只能自己受害。如果你确实对某人或某事有意见，还是老练、细致并中立地沟通解决吧。
7. “But we've always done it that way.”
“但这是我们的惯例。”
The most effective leaders value innovation, creative thinking and problem solving skills in their employees. In one fell swoop, this phrase reveals you are the opposite: stuck in the past, inflexible, and closed-minded. Instead say, ‘Wow, that's an interesting idea. How would that work?’ Or, ‘That's a different approach. Let's discuss the pros and cons.’
最有效率的领导重视员工的革新、创新思维以及解决问题的能力。但这句话一下子就把你推向了对立面：墨守成规、死板、教条。相反，你应该说“哇，这个想法有意思。接下来该怎么办？”或“这又是另一种方法，那我们来探讨一下利弊吧。”
8. “That's impossible.” or “There's nothing I can do.”“那不可能。”或“我一筹莫展。”
Really? Are you sure you've considered every single possible solution and the list is now exhausted? When you make the mistake of saying these negative phrases, your words convey a pessimistic, passive, even hopeless outlook. This approach is seldom valued in the workplace. Employers notice, recognize and promote a can-do attitude. Despite the glum circumstances, communicate through your words what you can contribute to the situation.
真的吗？你确定已考虑过所有可能的方案、真的穷途末路了吗？“当你犯错说出这种消极的话时，说明你为人消极悲观甚或决绝，职场向来鄙视这种态度。员工必须养成‘能行’的态度。不管情况多么不容乐观，你都应该从话语上提醒自己面对现实解决问题。
Instead, try something like, “I'll be glad to check on it again,” “Let's discuss what's possible under these circumstances,” or, “What I can do is this.”
所以，你应该说“我还是在检查一遍吧”、“让我们看看这种情况下还能有什么办法”或“我能做些什么呢”。
9. “You should have…” or “You could have…”“你本应该……”或“你本可以……”
You probably wouldn't be thrilled if someone said: “You should have told me about this sooner!” Or, “You could have tried a little harder.” Chances are, these fault-finding words inflict feelings of blame and finger-pointing. Ideally, the workplace fosters equality, collaboration and teamwork. Instead of making someone feel guilty (even if they are), take a more productive non-judgmental approach. Say, “Next time, to ensure proper planning, please bring this to my attention immediately.” Or, “In the future, I recommend…”
如果有人跟你说“你本该早点告诉我”或“你本可以再努力一点”，你肯定感到闷闷不乐。这些挑刺儿的话含有指责意味。而理想的职场下应该是平等、团队与协作。与其让别人倍感愧疚（即便他们确实感到愧疚），还不如换个积极中立的说法，比如‘下次计划恰当了就请立即告诉我吧’或‘以后我希望……’”
10. “You guys.”“伙计们。”
Reserve the phrase “you guys” for friendly casual conversations and avoid using it in business. Referring to a group of people as ‘you guys’ is not only inaccurate if women are present, it is slang and lowers your level of professionalism. With fellow professionals such as your boss, co-workers and clients, substitute “you guys” with terms such as “your organization” or “your team” or simply “you.”
“伙计们”用法比较随意，职场中应尽量避免。用‘伙计们’指称一群人并不恰当，由其是有女性在场的时候；而且这是个俗词，有可能降低你的职业素养。如果有老板、同事及客户等职业人士在场，还是用“贵公司”、“贵方团队”或“贵方”比较妥当。
11. “I may be wrong, but…” or “This may be a silly idea, but…”
“有可能是我错了，但……”或“这个想法或许有点蠢，但……”
These phrases are known as discounting. They diminish the impact of what follows and reduce your credibility. Remember that your spoken words reveal to the world how much value you place on yourself and your message. For this reason, eliminate any prefacing phrase that demeans the importance of who you are or lessens the significance of what you contribute.
这些话语听上去就像在讨价还价。它们不仅削弱了后面话语的影响力，也降低了你本人的可信度。你说出去的话就是在告知世界你的价值观和想要传达的信息。因此，别拐弯儿强调你多厉害或你谦虚自己所作的贡献。
Don't say, “This may be a silly idea, but I was thinking that maybe we might conduct the quarterly meeting online instead, okay?” Instead, assert your recommendation: “To reduce travel costs and increase time efficiency, I recommend we conduct the quarterly meeting online.”
别说什么“这个想法或许有点蠢，但我觉得或许我们可以网上召开季度会议，怎么样？”，相反，你应该这么建议：“为节约旅费和时间，我建议网上召开季度会议。”
12. “Don't you think?” or “Okay?”
“你不觉得吗？”或“好吗？”
These phrases are commonly known as hedging―seeking validation through the use of overly cautious or non-committal words. If you truly are seeking approval or looking for validation, these phrases may well apply. However, if your goal is to communicate a confident commanding message and persuade people to see it your way, instead of hedging make your statement or recommendation with certainty.
这种话通常是因过分谨慎或为不承担责任而寻求对方赞同。如果你真想寻求赞同或认可，这倒也没什么问题。但是，如果你是想传达确切信息、使人按你的意思理解问题，你就应该更加确定地讲明才行。
Imagine an investment banker saying, “This is a good way to invest your money, don't you think? I'll proceed, if that's okay with you.” Instead, you'd probably want to hear something like: “This strategy is a wise investment that provides long-term benefits. With your approval, I'll wire the money by 5pm today.”
假设投资银行家说“这是个理财的好方法，你不觉得吗？如果你觉得可行，那我就继续。”，你肯定觉得奇怪，正常应该是这么说：“这是个明智的投资战略，可获取长期利益。只要你同意，我今天下午5点就汇钱。”
13. “It have time for this right now.” or “I'm too busy.”
“我现在没有时间。”或“我都忙死了。”
Even if these statements are true, no one wants to feel less important than something or someone else. To foster positive relations and convey empathy, say instead: I'd be happy to discuss this with you after my morning meetings. May I stop by your office around 1pm?”
就算你说的都是事实，也没人愿意觉得自己还不如其他事或其他人重要。要想维持良好关系并赢得同感，你应该说：“我早上开完会后就有空跟你讨论这个问题了，下午1点左右我去你办公室怎么样？”
These are common phrases that might be difficult to eliminate completely from your everyday conversations―but the trick is to gain awareness of the language you're using. As is often the case with bad habits, we are unconscious of the fact we're saying career-limiting words and phrases.
这些常见的话语可能一时难以立即完全从你的日常讲话中改正――但是，你可以加强防范，随时留意自己所讲的话。坏习惯总是不自觉的，我们有时并不能意识到在讲一些祸害职业的话语。
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责任编辑：　　「美国习惯用语」第四十七讲　　to bug someone 　　　　to louse up 　　　　有一些美国成语和俗语和昆虫有关系。由于人们一般都很讨厌那些小虫子，所以和这些小虫子的名字有关的俗语大多数是贬意的。例如 ants in your pants，这是指坐立不安或不耐烦。另外还有 to have butterflies in one's stomach，肚子里有蝴蝶飞舞，这是心里紧张的意思。 　　　　在口语里，人们往往把昆虫叫做“小虫子”，也就是美国人说的 &bug& 这个字。 Bug 这个字可以指小虫子。但是，它也可以当动词用。在当动词用的时候， bug 这个字的意思在不同情况下就不一样，它可以解释为：令人烦恼，就像你周围有许多苍蝇或蚊子时让你心烦一样。 Bug 这个字也可以指窃听别人的电话或讲话。要是一个人说: &That loud music next door really bugs me.& 他的意思就是：“隔壁人家把音乐放那么响，真烦人。”我们来举一个例子吧： 　　　　例句-1: &You know what bugs me? Somebody coming a half hour early when you invite them to dinner. Very rude of them, I think. I tell you -- it really bugs me!& 　　　　这个人说：“你知道什么事情会让我感到讨厌吗？当你请朋友来吃晚饭，某个人早到半个小时。我认为这种人真不懂礼貌。我告诉你，那才叫我讨厌呐。” 　　　　下面我们要举的一个例子，其中 bug 这个字的意思又有些不同： 　　　　例句-2: &Our car is ten years old so my kids keep bugging me to buy a new one, but the old one still runs fine and I don't want to put the money out right now to replace it.& 　　　　听起来，这个人肯定是一个家长。他说：“我们家的汽车已经用了十年。所以我的孩子们老是鼓动我去买一辆新车。可是，那辆老车还很好用，我现在也不愿意花钱去买新车。” 　　　　一种没有人喜欢的小虫子就是虱子。虱子在英文里叫作 louse。你们肯定知道 lousy 这个字，它就是从 louse 这个字来的，意思是：糟糕的、讨厌的等等。但是 louse 这个字也能当动词用。今天我们要讲的一个和 louse 这个字有关的习惯用语是 to louse up。我们来举个例子吧： 　　　　例句-3: &The lousy rain has certainly loused up my plans to take my girl friend to the beach today.& 　　　　这个人很遗憾地说：“这讨厌的雨真是打乱了我的计划。我今天本来准备和我女朋友一起去海边玩的。” 　　　　一个人要是 loused up 和女朋友的约会恐怕还不要紧，可是他要是 loused up 重要事情的话，那就很麻烦了。下面就是一个例子： 　　　　例句-4: &I loused up my chance to get that job at the radio station by showing up at the employment interview two hours late. But could I help it if my car had a flat tire on my way to the meeting?& 　　　　这个人说：“由于我那天去招工的地方面谈时晚到了两小时，因此我失去了在电台工作的机会。可是，在我去的路上我汽车的轮胎炸了，那叫我有什么办法嘛？” 　　　　今天我们给大家介绍了两个和小虫子有关的俗语。第一个是： to bug someone，这是使人心烦、令人讨厌的意思，或者也可以解释为“窃听”。今天讲的另一个俗语是： to louse up，这是弄糟、毁坏等意思。 　　　　
　　流行美语第四十七课　　　　现在Michael和李华正在公寓大楼前看热闹。李华会学到两个新词。一个是busted；另一个是creep。 　　　　L: Michael，发生什么事儿啦，为什么有这么多警察在这儿啊？ 　　　　M: The police just busted someone for trying to steal my neighbor's car. 　　　　L: 你说警察把那个小偷怎么样了？把他打伤了吗？ 　　　　M: No, they busted him. Busted means to catch someone doing something they shouldn't be doing. 　　　　L: 噢，原来 busted someone for doing something就是干坏事的人被抓到了。 　　　　M: That's right. You can say &They busted him for something& or you can just say &they busted him.& 　　　　L: Michael，你认识那个小偷吗？ 　　　　M: Sure! They busted the man who lives in the apartment above mine! 　　　　L: 他就住你家楼上啊？ 　　　　M: Yes, I saw the police put him into a car and drive away. 　　　　L: 哎呀，好可怕。原来你楼上一直住着个小偷。Michael，bust这个词是不是只能指警察抓罪犯呢？ 　　　　M: Not at all. Anyone who catches someone doing something wrong is busting them. 　　　　L: 噢，我们普通人抓到别人干坏事也可以说“busted someone doing something wrong”。那我可不可以说“The teacher busted my classmate for cheating on the English test.” 　　　　M: Yes, that's perfect. When you were little, did anyone ever bust you for doing something wrong? 　　　　L: 当然了。有一回我逃课去逛街被阿姨看到告诉了我妈妈，害得我挨了一顿骂。 　　　　M: That's not too bad. Once when I was in school, the teacher busted me for selling candy to my classmates. 　　　　L: 啊？你向同学兜售糖果，幸亏你被抓到了，要不然不知道你还会干什么坏事呢。 　　　　****** 　　　　L: Michael，想想真是奇怪，你楼上住了个罪犯你居然一直都不知道。 　　　　M: Yeah, but I'm not surprised. I always thought that guy was a creep. 　　　　L: A creep? 那是小偷的意思吗？ 　　　　M: No, that's not what I said. I said he's a creep. A creep is someone who looks and acts in a way that makes people suspicious and uncomfortable. 　　　　L: 噢，a creep就是指一个人鬼鬼祟祟，令人怀疑。那你为什么觉得那个人是个creep呢？ 　　　　M: Well, he was never a friendly neighbor. He was always frowning, and wouldn't say hello to people. That's one reason I thought he was a creep. 　　　　L：可是这也不能说他就是个creep啊。 因为有很多人平常都是皱着眉头，从来不和别人打招呼，可是不一定有什么坏心啊。 　　　　M: Sometimes he would try to sell us things. And even though we refused to buy his stuff, he just wouldn't leave us alone. That's why my neighbors didn't like him. They all thought he was a little weird. 　　　　L: 啊，他还硬向你们推销东西。难怪你们怀疑他有什么不良动机。 所以你才说他是个creep。 　　　　M: You've got it. You give me an example. 　　　　L: 我们班有个男生很讨厌，所有的女生都觉得他是个creep。 　　　　M: Ok. Why is he a creep? 　　　　L: 他看人的眼神不对头，还有啊，他脸上总是一副皮笑肉不笑的表情，喜欢和女生开那种很肉麻的玩笑。 　　　　M: Yes, he definitely sounds like a creep to me. 　　　　L: 哎，Michael，我今天早上看到你和Alice在咖啡厅喝咖啡，你早上不是有上课吗？ 　　　　M: Oh, you busted me! Please keep quiet about that, OK? I told my professor I had to visit a sick aunt in the hospital. 　　　　L: 什么？你这个人哪，迟早有一天会被教授抓到你说谎。 　　　　今天李华学会两个新词。一个是busted，就是做坏事被抓到的意思。另一个是creep ，指的是一个人的行为举止鬼鬼祟祟。　　
　　Thank you any way
　　谢谢楼主的解答,我还想问一下流行美语和美国习惯用语都各自有多少课.
　　飞天一蹄
　　感谢LZ分享啊~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
　　「美国习惯用语」第四十八讲　　to get a foot in the door 　　　　to be dead on one's feet 　　　　美国的商品推销员在不很久以前还是挨家挨户地去推销商品，例如吸尘机、厨房用品、百科全书和圣经等。当一位家庭主妇听到敲门声，把门打开的时候，精明能干的推销员就会把一只脚先伸到门里边，这样可以避免在他还没有机会介绍他的商品之前女主人就把门关上了。这种挨家挨户访问的推销员现在几乎已经消声匿迹了，大多数推销员现在都靠电话来招揽生意。可是，把一只脚先伸到门里边这个说法却成了一个人们经常用的俗语了，在英文里就是：to get a foot in the door。 To get a foot in the door的意思就是：为了达到一个目的迈出了第一步，尽管你可能离达到目的的距离还很远。下面这个例子是一个学生说的话： 　　　　例句-1: You know that beautiful girl who sits ahead of me in English class? She keeps turning me down for dates, but I finally got a foot in the door today: she met me for coffee after class. 　　　　这个学生说：“你知道英语课坐在我前面那个很漂亮的女孩子吗？我请她出去玩，她老是拒绝我。可是，今天我算是迈出了第一步。她答应下了课和我一起去喝咖啡。” 　　　　下面我们要举的例子是两个人在谈论一个很有政治野心的朋友。其中一个人说： 　　　　例句-2: Getting into politics is tough. But Martin got his foot in the door when he volunteered to go around town putting up posters for the Republican candidate for Congress. 　　　　他说：“要进入政界是很难的。可是，马丁曾经在当地义务地帮助那些共和党竞选国会议员的候选人张贴标语，这样他为能够进入政界迈出了第一步。” 　　　　一整天在电线干上贴标语或招贴画确实是很累的。马丁回到家的时候可能会感到两只脚累得连站都站不动了。这也有一个俗语来形容这种情景的： to be dead on one's feet。美国虽然是最先进的国家之一，但仍然有好多职业需要工作人员站着做的。售货员就是其中之一。站了一天，到了下班的时候，他们必然会感到两只脚很累。下面就是一个售货员在对他的太太讲话： 　　　　例句-3: Honey, I've got to sit down and rest before I take you out to dinner. I'm really dead on my feet tonight: we had the big year-end sale on and I was so busy I didn't even have time for lunch. 　　　　他说：“亲爱的，我得坐下歇一会儿再和你一起出去吃晚饭。我今天晚上两只脚实在累死了。我们正在举行年底大减价，我忙的连午饭都没有时间吃。” 　　　　下面的例子是一个孩子在跟他的同学说他们全家去看庆祝海湾战争游行的情况： 　　　　例句-4: My parents took me to Constitution Avenue to see the parade. After standing there for a whole day, my mom was so dead on her feet that she could not even cook dinner for us by the time we got home. 　　　　这个孩子说：“我爸爸妈妈带我到宪法大街去看游行。我们在那儿站了一天，回到家的时候，我妈妈的脚累得要死，连做晚饭也做不动了。”　　
　　流行美语第四十八课　　　　今天李华从 Michael那儿学到了两个新词 redneck 和 in the sticks。 　　　　M: Come in! 　　　　L: Hi Michael! 真抱歉，我没先告诉你就来了。你的电话一直占线， 所以我没法打电话给你。 　　　　M: That's no big deal. I was on the phone with my friend Bob who lives in Georgia. He is such a redneck! 　　　　L: 原来这样。对了，你把你朋友叫什么来着？你说他是什么啊？ 　　　　M: I said he's a redneck, R-E-D-N-E-C-K. 　　　　L: 一个红的脖子？ 这是什么意思啊？ 　　　　M: A redneck is someone from the countryside who lives a country lifestyle. 　　　　L: 所以你叫一个人 redneck就是说他是乡下人或很土气。哎，这样 说别人很不礼貌吧。 　　　　M: Well, maybe. If you call someone a redneck, it means you think that they are not very cultured or sophisticated. 　　　　L: 你就因为你朋友住在乡下，你就开他玩笑说他是redneck ，未免 不太好吧。 　　　　M: I'm not really making fun of him. Some people are proud to be rednecks. Bob likes to call himself that. 　　　　L: 你说叫他redneck，Bob他还很得意呀。那我就不懂了。在中国， 大多数住在乡下的人都巴不得往城里跑呢。 　　　　M: Well, the U.S. is different. Being a redneck doesn't mean being poor or uneducated. It is a way of living, I guess. 　　　　L: 那么rednecks到底像什么呢？你来说说。 　　　　M: Let me see, how can I describe them? When we say someone is a redneck we mean they are from the south, and speak with a southern accent。 　　　　L: 现在我懂了， redneck 呢一般是指美国南方人，或者说话有南方 口音的人。不过说真的，那些南方口音我真的听不太懂。 　　　　M: Also, rednecks like life in the countryside. They enjoy sports such as hunting or fishing. They like living in areas with lots of open space. 　　　　L: Hmm, rednecks他们不住在 城市，他们更享受乡下的生活。 　　　　M: Exactly. Also, most rednecks have blue-collar jobs, or work on a farm. By the way, Li Hua, be careful how you use this word. Some people might get angry if you call them a redneck. 　　　　### ### ### 　　　　L: 哎，对了，Michael，你那个红脖子朋友Bob为什么事打电话给你 啊？ 　　　　M: Well, he asked me if I wanted to visit him this summer. I'm not sure if I really want to go though. 　　　　L: 真的吗？ 为什么你不想去呢？ 　　　　M: He lives out in the sticks. There's nothing for me to do out there. 　　　　L: 他生活在那儿？The sticks 是什么地方啊? 　　　　M: Oh, when I say in the sticks, that just means in a rural area, far from a big city. 　　　　L: 噢，原来是指乡下啊。哎哟，只不过离开城市几天，这样你也受 不了啊？ 　　　　M: Well, I am used to city life. I don't know how to fish or hunt, and I really don't like farm work. I don't think I would like living in the sticks. 　　　　L: 你觉得你不适合乡下的生活啊，不过偶尔去呼吸一下新鲜空气不 是挺好的吗？ 　　　　M: I guess. Maybe I should visit him. 　　　　L: 要是有人自称是 redneck 的话，他也许觉得生活在乡下 in the sticks 也是很值得自豪的了？ 　　　　M: Actually, the phrase in the sticks is not very polite. You shouldn't tell someone that they live in the sticks unless you are just joking with them. 　　　　L: 奥，说别人 live in the sticks 并不是很好，除非你是在开玩笑啊？ 　　　　M: You are right. Usually when you say something is in the sticks you mean it is far from anything civilized. 　　　　L: 其实美国人并不懂得什么是真正的乡下。就算他们住在乡下好了， 只要一开车就到城里了嘛。 　　　　M: That's true. Still, some places out in the sticks are pretty far from a big city, even if you drive a car. 　　　　今天李华学到了两个新词：redneck 和 in the sticks 。Redneck 是指乡下人。 In the sticks 则是指远离城市的农村地区。　　
　　TO: 上下_求索　　　目前为止 美国习惯用语 -- 354课　　
流行美语 --
　　「美国习惯用语」第四十九讲 　　　　　　 　　　　　　to stand on one's own two feet 　　　　to throw oneself at someone's feet 　　　　在美国的成语和俗语中，有不少是围绕着“脚”这个字构成的，“脚”这个字在英文里就是 foot ，多数就是 feet。在美国的成语和俗语中，以 foot 或 feet 这个字为主的俗语为数还不少，它们的意思也各不相同。 　　　　今天我们要给大家再介绍两个由 foot 或者 feet 这个字组成的俗语。第一个是：to stand on one's own two feet。 To stand on one's own two feet 的意思恐怕不难猜到。一个人如果能站稳脚跟的话，他就一定能独立自主，靠自己的力量来办事。我们下面要举的一个例子是一位父亲担心他的儿子吸毒或酗酒，所以在劝告他的儿子： 　　　　例句-1: Son, somebody may try to get you to smoke marijuana or drink, just to fit in with the crowd. But I hope you can stand on your own two feet and say no. 　　　　这位父亲说：“儿子呀，有的人为了要你合群也许会劝你喝酒或吸毒。但是我希望你能够独立自主，拒绝他们的引诱。” 　　　　那些能够独立自主的人的确很令人钦佩。下面就是一个例子： 　　　　例句-2: Bill Brown has managed to stay in Congress now for twenty years. The voters don't always agree with him but they really like the way he stands on his own feet and makes his own decisions on which way to vote, regardless of pressures from all the lobbyists. 　　　　这个人说：“比尔·布朗在国会当议员已经二十年了。选民们不一定都同意他的观点，但是他们倒很欣赏他在对各种提案投票时的那种独立自主精神。不管那些游说者给他施加多大压力，他都按自己的决定投票。” 　　　　今天我们要讲的第二个习惯用语是： to throw oneself at someone's feet。 To throw oneself at someone's feet 这个俗语可以解释为：公开对某人表示爱慕。比如说，一个男子在幻想自己未来的婚事，他对他的朋友说： 　　　　例句-3: I'm still looking for the right girl to marry. And when I find her, I'll throw myself at her feet and ask her to spend the rest of her life with me. 　　　　他说：“我现在还在物色一个我认为合适的女孩作为我的妻子。一旦我找到了，我就要拜倒在她的石榴裙下，恳求她作为我的终身伴侣。” 　　　　To throw oneself at someone's feet 还可以解释为：为了得到一些好处而溜须拍马，或拜倒在某人脚下。下面的例子是说一个被判了罪的犯人： 　　　　例句-4: The prisoner who has been convicted as a traitor threw himself at the feet of the judge and begged for mercy. 　　　　这句话的意思是：“那个被定罪为叛徒的犯人拜倒在法官的面前，求他发发慈悲。” 　　
　　流行美语第四十九课　　　　在今天的对话中Michael会教李华两个常用语：一个是under the weather，另一个是to grab a bite to eat。 　　　　M: Hello? 　　　　L: 喂，Michael，你今天怎么了？我怎么在学校没看到你，打电话到你上班的地方也没人接。你没事儿吧？ 　　　　M: Oh, its nothing. I am just a little under the weather today, so I decided to take the rest of the day off and really rest. 　　　　L: 什么？你说天气不好，所以你就请一天假。天气好好的吗，你干吗撒谎呢？ 　　　　M: No no, I said &I am under the weather today&. Under, U-N-D-E-R; The Weather, W-E-A-T-H-E-R. Under the weather, it means sick. 　　　　L: 噢，under the weather就是生病的意思啊，那你还不赶快看医生啊？ 　　　　M: Oh, don't worry. It's not very serious. Usually when someone says that they are under the weather, they mean they feel bad, but are not very sick. 　　　　L: 你的病不严重，那我就放心了。可是你为什么今天觉得under the weather呢？ 　　　　M: Last night I went out to eat with a friend. After dinner, it started to rain heavily. We didn't have umbrellas, and I had to walk to a long way back to my car in the rain. I think I caught a cold, so now I feel under the weather. 　　　　L: 难怪了，你吃完饭就淋着雨走了那么长的路。哎呀，你以后可千万小心，万一得了什么大病那该怎么办呢？ 　　　　M: It's ok, Li Hua. I can take care of myself. That's why I am resting at home. That reminds me, how is your mother doing? Didn't you say she was under the weather last week? 　　　　L: 噢，我妈妈现在好多了。不过上星期可真把我们吓坏了。上星期一她突然说不舒服，提前下班，第二天就开始咳嗽，浑身发软。 　　　　M: Oh no! You must have been worried she had SARS. 　　　　L: 没错，我家里人都担心她感染了萨斯。所以每个人都嚷着自己 under the weather，不过啊，第二天我妈妈的情况好转，他们每个人也都觉得自己好了。 　　　　M: They were all thinking about SARS, so they also felt under the weather. In fact, they were all ok. 　　　　L: 就是啊，他们觉得自己under the weather，我看纯粹是心理作用。 　　　　M: So why were you trying to call me at work today? 　　　　L: 我打电话想问问你今天晚上要不要一快去吃饭。 　　　　M: Well, I'd like to, but I really think I should stay at home tonight. Maybe this weekend we can grab a bite to eat. 　　　　L: 你说我们这个周末吃什么？ 　　　　M: I said we can &grab a bite to eat&. Grab, G-R-A-B; a bite, B-I-T-E; to eat, E-A-T. It means we can go out and have a quick meal somewhere this weekend. 　　　　L: 噢，grab a bite to eat就是随便到那个餐馆吃一顿，对不对。 　　　　M: That's about right. To be exact, it means to find some quick and simple food, like fast food. 　　　　L: 啊？尤其指吃快餐啊，我可不想这样随便grab a bite to eat 。我想去个有气氛的好餐馆。再说了，Michael，你也不应该老吃垃圾食物。 　　　　M: I know, I know. It's just that I often don't have a lot of time between classes and work. So at lunchtime, I usually have to go to a fast food place and grab a bite to eat. I don't have time to go anywhere else. 　　　　L: 如果你觉得中午时间很紧，那你就因该在家里把午饭准备好带到学校。你看，你每天到外面grab a bite to eat，那样你的开销多大啊。 　　　　M: I don't always grab a bite to eat at fast food places. Sometimes I make lunch at home. But it takes a lot of time in the evening, and sometimes I am busy then, too. 　　　　L: Michael，你真是太不会照顾自己了，冒着雨乱跑，整天吃垃圾食品，难怪你会under the weather，以后你真的要好好照顾自己呢。 　　　　今天Michael身体有点不舒服，就是under the weather:Michael约李华等他身体好了一起去grab a bite to eat，也就是随便到外面吃点快餐。 　　
　　第二个记号
　　你想练口语就不要中译英，英译英比较好。
　　「美国习惯用语」第五十讲　　to be swept off one's feet 　　　　Don't let the grass grow under one's feet 　　　　今天我们再来讲两个和 foot 或 feet 有关的俗语。我们曾经讲过： to stand on one's own two feet，这是独立自主，依靠自己的意思。我们还讲过： to throw oneself at someone's feet，这是公开表示对某人的爱慕之情，或是拍马奉承、百般讨好某人。可是，被爱慕或讨好的对象往往会突然感到非常兴奋而不由自主地变得飘飘然起来。这种情景在英文里是这么说的： to be swept off one's feet。下面我们要举的一个例子就可以看出一个人在 throwing himself at someone's feet 以后所可能产生的后果： 　　　　例句-1: &Dick was so crazy about Jane that he threw himself at her feet. Jane was swept off her feet and they're getting married next Tuesday.& 　　　　这句话的意思是：“迪克实在是爱简，他完全拜倒在她的石榴裙下。这一下使得简感到飘飘然，不由自主了。他们竟然决定下星期二就结婚。” 　　　　这种闪电式的结婚确实有点过于匆忙。下面一个例子就是一个人在劝他的朋友不要草率从事。这也说明 to be swept off one's feet 这个俗语不一定完全适用于被爱慕的人，也可以用在其他场合： 　　　　例句-2: &Hal, I know how anxious you are to get married and start a family. But don't let yourself get swept off your feet by a pretty face: think about what you are doing before you get caught.& 　　　　他说：“海尔，我知道你是非常急于结婚成家。但是，你不要被一张漂亮的脸弄得昏昏然的。在问题还没有发生前，你得脑子清楚一些，明白自己到底在干什么。” 　　　　像结婚这样的事确实应该慎重考虑，不能操之过急。但是有的时候，我们处理事情也不能拖拖拉拉，浪费时间。这在英文里就是： Don't let the grass grow under one's feet。 Grass 是指草。 Don't let the grass grow under one's feet 从字面上来解释，这句话的意思是：不要让草在你脚底下长出来，实际上也就是说，你不要什么事也不干，浪费时间。我们来举一个例子吧： 　　　　例句-3: &Right now the house is a real bargain. Don't let the grass grow under your feet -- sign the agreement today before somebody grabs it.& 　　　　这是一个房产经纪人在对一个买主说话。他说：“现在房产价格实在是非常便宜。你不要浪费时间，最好今天就签合同，免得给别人把这栋房子抢走。” 　　　　Don't let the grass grow under your feet 是推销产品的人经常说的话。下面的例子是一个汽车商在对顾客说话： 　　　　例句-4: &I tell you, don't let the grass grow under you feet -- this is the last day of this sale and the price on this model goes up a thousand dollars tomorrow!& 　　　　他说：“我告诉你，今天是这次减价的最后一天。这种型号的车子，明天就要上涨一千美元。所以你不要犹豫不决，浪费时间。” 　　　　上面我们给大家介绍了两个和 foot 或者 feet 这个字有关的习惯用语。第一个是： to be swept off one's feet，这是指一个人由于一件使他兴奋的事而感到不由自主。今天我们讲的另一个习惯用语是： Don't let the grass grow under one's feet，这是劝人不要停止不前，浪费时间。 　　　　
　　流行美语第50课　　　　piece of junk 　　　　cheap 　　　　今天李华到Michael家里借用他的电脑。李华会学到了两个新词儿：piece of junk 和cheap。 　　　　M: Ok Li Hua, let me see if I can find that webpage for you. 　　　　L: Wow, 你的电脑上网真够慢的, 不知道是哪儿出问题了。 　　　　M: Actually, it's not the Internet connection, it is my computer. Its an old piece of junk and it is very very slow. 　　　　L: 它是一片什么啊？你的电脑出什么问题啦？ 　　　　M: I said it's a &piece of junk&. Piece, P-I-E-C-E; of junk. J-U-N-K. A piece of junk is something that is old and broken, or just doesn't work well. 　　　　L: 噢！我想起来了，junk就是你要丢掉的废物，像是旧的车胎或破烂的自行车。 　　　　M: That's right. In fact, I'd say my car is a piece of junk too. It's ten years old, it doesn't start half the time, and pieces are always falling off of it. 　　　　L: 你的车可不是一堆破烂呢。你倒是应该好好保养它。我叔叔在中国有辆用了二十多年的旧车，到现在还不是走得挺好的。 　　　　M: Well, some older cars are more simple in design, and easier to fix. It is hard to find parts for my car, and it isn't really worth the cost to fix it. 　　　　L: 嗯，那倒是。现在好些东西过几年之后就变成废物了，就好像我的‘随身听’一样。 　　　　M: Your walkman is a piece of junk? I've had a Sony walkman for ten years, and it still works well! 　　　　L: 我的那一台可真的不行了，现在一动也不动；有的时候还把我的录音带给弄坏了。我真是应该买个新的了。 　　　　M: Yes, you probably should. If it damages your tapes, it's not worth using. 　　　　L: 别管我的了，你的电脑该怎么办？ 为什么不去买个新的来呢？像你这样的学生可得有台好电脑才行啊。 　　　　M: I might. Hey, wait a minute! What would I do with my old piece of junk computer? Maybe give it to a certain friend of mine? 　　　　L: 嘿，我可没那么说，不过要是还能用的话，我倒乐于拿走，也许我还可以用它来做功课。 　　　　****** 　　　　L: 哎，Michael, 现在你不想换电脑了是不是？ 　　　　M: Well, I could, but I am also too cheap to spend money to buy a new one. 　　　　L: 等等，你说你是便宜的？我以为只能说东西是便宜的，你是不是说你太穷了啊？ 　　　　M: No no, that's not what I mean, even though that is true. When I say that a person is cheap, that means that they always try to avoid spending money, or always buy the least expensive thing they can find. 　　　　L: 噢，原来说一个人cheap就是说他很抠啊。嘿，那我还真得说你是够cheap的了。Michael, 你就是那种在餐馆里为了省一两块钱只叫杯白水当饮料的人。 　　　　M: What? You are calling me cheap! 　　　　L: 怎么了？ 这句话冒犯你了吗？ 　　　　M: Oh, sorry. I should have told you: it is not very nice to call a person cheap. It also means that someone is not generous, or doesn't understand quality. 　　　　L: 噢，原来cheap还有爱捡便宜的意思。难怪你不喜欢被人说 cheap。 　　　　M: Anyway, I could say you are cheap, because you always use old things that other people give you. Like your bicycle, or that watch you have.. 　　　　L: 可是，单单因为我不肯花钱，并不表示我就cheap啊。我只是个穷学生嘛。 　　　　M: Yeah, I shouldn't say you are cheap, that's not very nice. My roommate is really cheap, though. Nobody likes to go out to eat with him. 　　　　L: 真的吗？他怎么啦？ 　　　　M: Well, if three or four of us order a pizza together, he always adds up exactly how much each person owes. He counts every cent! 　　　　L: 哇，那他也真够呛的，算那么清楚啊。 　　　　M: And he also never gives a full tip to restaurant waiters. He always gives them a little bit less than he should. 　　　　L: 他不肯给服务员该给的小费？我想我从这家伙身上了解到cheap的含义了。　　　　今天李华从 Michael那儿学到了两个新词儿。Piece of junk就是指没用的废物；cheap在这里指小气、不肯花钱。 　　　　　　　　
　　make a mark
　　「美国习惯用语」第五十一讲　　to pull no punches 　　　　straight from the horse's mouth 　　　　大多数人都认为诚实和坦率是一个很好的品质，尽管我们不见得每时每刻都能够做到，美国人也不例外。在美国的日常用语里有各种说法来形容这种品质。我们在今天的[美国习惯用语]里要给大家介绍四个和这一主题有关的习惯用语。 　　　　第一个是：to pull no punches。 To pull no punches，这是指毫不保留地告诉别人你的看法。Punch 这个字的一种解释就是拳击。 To pull no punches 这个俗语使人脑子里顿时出现一个拳击场里两个拳击手扭成一团，互相攻打对方，而对方设法回避的形像。但是 to pull no punches 这个俗语并不是用在拳击方面的。下面的例子说明在日常生活中怎么用这个俗语： 　　　　例句-1: When I saw my brother Joe, I didn't pull any punches -- I told him to stop drinking and go out and find a job. 　　　　这句话翻成中文的意思是：“当我见到我哥哥乔伊的时候，我毫不保留地对他说，不要再喝酒了，还是出去找个工作吧。” 　　　　人们要想毫无保留地对对方讲心里话的时候往往会很犹豫，怕伤害别人。但是，在有的情况下，你绝不会犹豫，就像下面这个例子里的这个人： 　　　　例句-2: I pulled no punches when I went to see the auto dealer who sold me such a lousy car. I told him he ought to be ashamed to charge so much for a car that had so many things wrong with it. No, he didn't give me my money back, but I sure felt better afterwards. 　　　　这个人说：“那个汽车商卖给我的这辆汽车毛病太多了。我去看他的时候毫不客气地对他说，卖这么次的车给我还收我那么多的钱，你自己应该感到害臊。虽然他并没有把钱还给我，可是，说了这些话我感到痛快多了。” 　　　　今天我们要讲的另外一个俗语是：straight from the horse's mouth。 Straight from the horse's mouth，从字面上来解释它的意思是：直接来自马的嘴巴。可是，这个俗语的真正意思是：你听到的消息是真实的，因为这消息来自可靠的来源。马和消息可靠又有什么关系呢？你要知道，远在人们还没有使用汽车的年代，人们是依靠马作为他们主要的交通工具，认为马是十分可靠的。现在，汽车已经早就代替了马，但是这个俗语仍然被广为使用。现在我们再来举个例子： 　　　　例句-3: I tell you I know for certain that Lisa will be promoted to manager. The boss told me himself, so it's straight from the horse's mouth! 　　　　这个人说：“告诉你，我知道莉沙肯定会被提升为经理的。这是老板亲口告诉我的，这个消息是绝对可靠的！” 　　　　我们再来举个例子： 　　　　例句-4: Say, did you hear that Sally and Bob are going to get married. Honest, I'm not joking. I heard it from Bob himself, so it's straight from the horse's mouth! 　　　　他说：“喂，你听说了没有，萨利和鲍勃要结婚了。我可不是开玩笑，我说的是实话。我是听鲍勃自己讲的，因此这消息是完全可靠的！”　　
　　流行美语第51课　　
　　to get carried away 　　to call it a day 　　　　今天Michael为李华油漆房子。李华学到了两个新词儿：to get carried away和to call it a day。 　　　　L: Hey Michael，我回来了。我的天哪，你连客厅都刷啦？你只要刷卧房就够了，我没想要你做这么多的。 　　　　M: That's O.K. The work was pretty easy. I guess I got carried away. 　　　　L: 什么？你怎么啦？你说你得到什么啦？ 　　　　M: I said I got carried away. &Got& is the past tense of &get& and &carried& is the past tense of &carry&. 　　　　L： 好了，那&got carried away&到底是什么意思？ 　　　　M: &To get carried away& means to be so focused on doing something that you don't notice anything else, and lose track of time. It can also mean &to do something more than is necessary.& 　　　　L: 噢，我懂了。这句话是说：因为你太专心做一件事上所以忘了其它的事，连不需要的也都做了。 　　　　M: You've got it. I was so absorbed in my work that I got carried away. I didn't notice how long I had been working. When I finished, I saw that it was already three o'clock! 　　　　L: 嗯，我真希望我能你这样专心工作。我最恨刷油漆这种活了。对了，Michael, 这个&got carried away&除了用在工作上，我可不可以用在其它地方呢？ 　　　　M: Sure! We can use it for a lot of things. For instance, the other day I went shopping for clothes. At first, I had only planned to spend 50 dollars to buy some pants and a shirt. But I got carried away and spent 250 dollars.　 　　　　L: 噢，所以当你got carried away的时候，表示你已经忘乎所以了，对不对? 　　　　M: That's right. For instance, I was cooking spaghetti sauce the other day. I really like garlic, so I decided to put a lot in. But I got carried away, and put in way too much. 　　　　L: Phew, 我原来是不想说的，怪不得你嘴里一股大蒜味，真是呛人哪。这样说来，有的时候get carried away也有贬意啊，对不对？ 　　　　M: Sure it can. Why don't you give me an example of how being carried away can be used negatively? 　　　　L: 那还不简单，有一次我请我朋友帮我油漆卧房，结果他got carried away连客厅也一块儿给我 刷了。 　　　　M: Well, that sounds right. But why is that a bad thing? 　　　　L: 他因为太got carried away，结果忘记我的起居室原来是要漆蓝色，不是白色的。 　　　　M: D'oh! 　　　　音乐间隙　　　　　　L: Michael, 你今天做的也真够多的了，我真的很谢谢你啦。 　　　　M: No problem. I think you are right. Let's call it a day. 　　　　L: 啊，你说要我们做什么？今天你还想要做什么呢？ 　　　　M: No no, I said &Let's call it a day&. That means: let's stop working for today and go home. 　　　　L: 可是我已经在家了啊! 　　　　M: You know what I mean! To &call it a day& just means to decide it is time to quit working, and to relax or go home. Now I think we should call it a day and go get something to eat. 　　　　L: 我早就知道你一定会提到吃的。好吧，你想去那儿？ 　　　　M: Hmm, why do you take me to your favorite restaurant in Chinatown. 　　　　L: 那真是好主意。我知道那里有个很好的饭店。我们可以叫只鸭子，然后呢，再来一些菜。这么样？ 　　　　M: Whoa, don't get carried away, Li Hua. You're not that rich. 　　　　今天Michael为李华油漆房子，李华学到了两个新词儿: to get carried away和to call it a day。 To get carried away意思是：因为做事太专心忽略了其它的事。To call it a day指的是一天工作到此为止。　　 　　
　　昨天和早上无法登录！现在补发一下昨天的！
　　「美国习惯用语」第五十二讲　　　　no holds barred 　　　　to let one's hair down 　　　　对人坦率，无保留地说自己的看法，有的时候是以友好和轻松的态度出发的，但是在某种情况下也可能是语气强硬，情绪对立。我们今天要讲的两个习惯用语就反映了这两种不同的气氛。我们先来讲第一个：no holds barred。 No holds barred 这个说法是来自摔交运动。但是，在人们争论的时候， no holds barred 是指不顾对方的面子和情绪，毫不迟疑地把自己的想法说出来。比如说，一个美国朋友可能会对你说： 　　　　例句-1: My wife and I had a real no holds barred talk last night about all the things wrong with our marriage. 　　　　他说：“我和我的妻子昨晚可真是毫不留情地谈了一谈，把我们婚姻方面的所有问题不管三七二十一都说了出来。” 　　　　No holds barred也可以形容那些政客们之间进行的辩论。下面就是一个例子： 　　　　例句-2: That TV debate between those two guys running for senator was sure a no holds barred affair. They spent more time saying nasty things about each other than they did talking about their plans. 　　　　这句话的意思是：“那两个竞选参议员的人在电视上进行辩论时真是毫不留情。他们花在互相攻击方面的时间比介绍他们方针的时间还多。” 　　　　****** 　　　　下面我们要介绍的一个习惯用语是：to let one's hair down。 To let one's hair down描绘出一幅可爱的画面。过去，西方女子很多都留长头发，出去应酬时把头发盘在头上梳出各种式样来。晚上回家后，她们就把发卡一个个地从头发里拿出来，让头发很自然地披在肩上。 To let one's hair down的实质意思也就是解除表面的装饰，使一切显得很自然、真实和放松。 To let one's hair down不一定用于女子，也可以用在男性。下面的例子就可以说明问题： 　　　　例句-3: The president has to make so many official appearances that he seldom gets a chance to let his hair down and enjoy life like ordinary people. 　　　　这句话是说：“总统要出席许多公开场合，因此他很少有机会像普通老百姓那样轻松地享受生活。” 　　　　To let one's hair down 也可以用在朋友之间，就像下面这个例子一样： 　　　　例句-4: Sally, we've been good friends for a long time. But lately I get the idea you are very much upset with me. I wish you'd let your hair down and tell me what's wrong to make you feel this way. 　　　　这个人对他的朋友说：“萨莉，我们多年来一直是好朋友，可是最近我感到你对我非常不高兴。我希望你能够坦率地告诉我，到底是哪些事让你这么不高兴。” 　　　　今天我们讲了两个表示坦率的习惯用语，虽然它们都具有坦率的意思，可以在含义方面有所不同。我们讲的第一个俗语是：no holds barred，这是指在争论或其他场合毫不客气地对别人说自己的想法。今天我们讲的第二个俗语是：to let one's hair down。 To let one's hair down是指轻松、自然，或把心里的话说出来。　　
　　流行美语 第52课　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　to be canned 　　　　to kiss up to 　　　　今天Michael和李华下了班以后就去逛街。他们边走边聊，李华会学到两个常用语：to be canned和to kiss up to。 　　　　M: Man, it was crazy at work today! 　　　　L: 真的？你们办公室今天发生什么事啦？ 　　　　M: My friend George was late again, so the boss canned him! 　　　　L: 你的朋友George今天上班迟到，你们老板对他怎么了？对他大喊大叫吗？ 　　　　M: No, it's much worse than that. The boss canned him. In other words, the boss fired him! 　　　　L: 什么？你是说George被解雇了。所以To be canned就是被解雇的意思啊？ 　　　　M: Yeah, here, &canned& is the past form of &to can,& which means &to put something in a can,& or slang for &to throw something in the trash can&. 　　　　L: 噢，这里canned就是把什么东西扔到垃圾桶。可这跟解雇人有什么关系呢？ 　　　　M: Hehheh, when your boss &cans& you, he's getting rid of you. It is like he is throwing you in the trash can. 　　　　L: 原来这是一种比喻啊。不过这种说法听起来挺吓人的。Michael, 你觉得George应该被解雇 吗？ 　　　　M: To tell the truth, George was not a very good employee. If I were the boss, I would have canned him too. 　　　　L： 哎呀，Michael，你这么说你的朋友未免太过份了吧！George又没做坏事，为什么要解雇他 啊？ 　　　　M: Well, George was often very late to work. This month, he came in late a least four times. The boss warned George many times before he finally canned him. 　　　　L: 看来你一点也不同情George。要是我的朋友碰上这种倒霉事，我至少也会替他难过啊。 　　　　M: Hmph. When George was late, it caused me and the other employees a lot of trouble. No one is really sad that he was canned. 　　　　L: 也许你说得没错。如果每个人都象George这样老迟到，那会给其他人造成多大的麻烦啊。 　　　　M: Well, you are right and wrong. Because George was canned, we all have a lot more work to do right now. 　　　　L: 对，希望你们公司会赶快雇一个人来接替George的工作。 　　　　M: I'm sure they will. 　　　　音乐间隙　　　　　　L： 哎，Michael，你有没有担心过自己有一天会被老板解雇呢？ 　　　　M: Me? Not at all. I'm a good worker, and I kiss up to the boss all the time. 　　　　L: 你说你工作表现很好，而且你还经常亲你的老板。哎呀，Michael, 你好恶心哦，你的老板 不是男的吗？ 　　　　M: No no no...I said I &kiss up to& my boss. To &kiss up to& someone is to try to be extra friendly to someone so they will treat you well. 　　　　L: 那你到底是怎么样“kiss up to”你的boss呢？ 　　　　M: Well, when I want to &kiss up to& the boss, I might bring him coffee, or help him clean the office. I also try to say nice things about him and his family, or tell him he just looks really cool. 　　　　L: 噢，现在我懂了。你不用说的那么好听，“kiss up to”无非就是拍什么人的马屁嘛。哎呀， 真没想到，你还是个马屁精啊。你不怕同事看不起你啊？ 　　　　M: No, not at all. All of the employees kiss up to my boss. Actually, there's nothing wrong with that, because our boss is a really nice guy. 　　　　L: 如果你的老板真象你说的那么好，或许讨好他也没什么错。 　　　　M: I Guess kissing up to someone can be useful, but not so that everyone hates you. 　　　　L: 你说的没错，拍马屁有时候是挺管用的，不过要是搞得人人都讨厌你，那就太不值得了。 　　　　M: Don't worry about me. I don't want the boss to do anything for me, I just don't want to be canned. 　　　　L: 其实我才应该向你学几招，去讨好讨好我的老板，也让他对我另眼相看。 　　　　今天李华学会了两个常用语：to be canned和to kiss up to.To be canned在这里就是被解雇的意思，kiss up to是讨好某人，拍马屁的意思。 　　
　　「美国习惯用语」第五十三讲　　　　 　　　　　　loose cannon 　　　　blockbuster 　　　　战争往往给语言留下深刻的痕迹。当战火停息，一切恢复正常以后，一些带火药味的字和词汇经常会变成人们日常的用语来形容那些和战争没有太大关系的人或事物。　　　　有的俗语甚至还反映了两百年前打仗的形式，例如，美国人经常会说某个人是一个:loose cannon。大家都知道， loose是松散的意思，而cannon是指大炮。 Loose cannon的来历是几百年前当人们在海上作战时，他们往往在船上放好些大炮，每一座大炮放在一个带四个轮子的平台上。在战争间隙的时候，船员们用很粗的绳子把这些大炮栓住，不让它们随便移动。可是，当风暴来临，这些绳子在风暴的冲击下断了以后，大炮就会在船甲板上到处滚动，会把那些不幸就在大炮旁边的船员轧死，这比真正的敌人还要危险。 　　　　现在， loose cannon的意思和打仗并没有什么关系。人们把loose cannon用来指一个失去控制、无视权威、打破常轨的人，这种人往往会伤害和他自己站在一边的人。例如，有些美国政府官员在重大问题上擅自采取行动，也不向总统汇报。国会议员就把这些人称为loose cannon。下面的例子是一个政治家在谈论一个要为他竞选连任参加工作的人： 　　　　例句-1: I know this guy is a smart political worker. But he's hard to control. In fact, he's a loose cannon who might do more damage to our side than the man I'm running against. 　　　　这句话的意思是：“我知道这家伙在政治工作方面很聪明。但是，这个人很难控制。实际上，他就像一个没有约束的大炮，给我们造成的危害可能会比我竞选对手造成的危害更大。” 　　　　****** 　　　　我们今天要给大家介绍的第二个和战争有关的俗语是：blockbuster。 Blockbuster原来是第二次世界大战期间联军在和纳粹德国进行空战中用的武器，这种武器的力量十分强大，它可以把城市中两条街之间的所有楼房夷为平地。而现在，blockbuster是指某件事取得很大的成功，特别是指文艺界一些成功的电影、歌曲、剧本等。例如： 　　　　例句-2: A story from Hollywood said that the new James Bond film is the blockbuster film of the season. 　　　　这是说：“好莱坞的一篇文章说，詹姆斯.邦德新拍的那个电影是这一季度最成功的片子。” 　　　　你可能很熟悉下面这个例子中提到的那个电影： 　　　　例句-3: The biggest Hollywood blockbuster of all time still remains &Gone With the Wind&, the classic picture about the civil war. And the amazing thing is it was made back in 1939. 　　　　这句话的意思是：“好莱坞历来最成功的片子仍然是关于美国南北战争的经典作品「飘」。令人惊奇的是这部片子还是早在1939年拍摄的。” 　　　　
　　流行美语第53课　　psyched 　　　　to flop　　　　　　今天Michael要在家里举行一个party，请朋友来玩。李华学到两个常用语：psyched和to flop。　　　　L: 啤酒冻好了，吃的也摆好了。我看一切都准备好了。 　　　　M: Great! I'm really psyched about this party. Tonight I finally get to relax and have fun with my friends. 　　　　L: 你是不是担心party会出问题？是不是怕没有朋友来？ 　　　　M: Not at all. I said &I am psyched.& That means that I am very excited, and am looking forward to something. 　　　　L: Psyched这个词听起来怪怪的。那么“to be psyched”照你说的，就表示你盼望什么事情啦？ 　　　　M: Not exactly. When I say &I am psyched,& I not only mean that I am excited, but that I am full of energy and ready to go. 　　　　L: 是吗？可是今天的party有什么节目让你这样高兴呀？ 　　　　M: Well, once some of my friends show up, I plan to have a few beers and hit the dance floor. Quite a few ladies should be showing up at the party tonight, so my friends will be psyched and ready to go as well! 　　　　L：嗯... 美酒加美女，听起来不错嘛。不过Michael， 你也不要太激动了。我可是见过你喝醉了之后跳舞还有和女孩讲话的样子。真是不敢恭维噢。 　　　　M: O.K., that's enough already. If you're so smart, why don't you use &psyched& in a sentence for me? 　　　　L: 嗯，让我想想看。对了，像“拳击手Mike Tyson，在比赛前很psyched，因为他准备好要恶战一场了。”这句话怎么样？ 　　　　M: Yeah, you seem to understand this phrase pretty well. All good athletes have to be psyched before a sports match, otherwise they have no chance of winning. 　　　　L: 行了行了，Michael, 你只要记住自己不是运动员，也不是专业的舞蹈家。 　　　　M: Oh come on Li Hua! Don't try to ruin this party for me! You should be psyched too! This is going to be the greatest party of your life! 　　　　音乐间隙 　　　　L: Michael， 你没事吧？ 　　　　M: [Groan] Ugh, this is ... this is terrible. I feel like such an idiot. I can't believe my party flopped so badly! 　　　　L: 怎么了？你说你的party怎么了？ 　　　　M: I said my party flopped. That's the past tense for &flop.& I mean that the party sucked. 　　　　L: 我懂了, “flop” 就是你的party搞砸了。这个词还有别的意思吗？ 　　　　M: Well, the word &flop& means to fall down flat and make a noise like when you drop a rug or a large book on the floor. 　　　　L: OK，我懂了。这个词的意思就是形容很重的东西掉在地上的声音。这个词是不是只能形容party的时候用呢？ 　　　　M: Not at all. If a movie or a play &flops,& that means it was not very successful. Sometimes we might say a plan &flopped,& meaning it failed. 　　　　L: 那你说说看，为什么你的party搞砸了呢？ 　　　　M: I wish I knew. Even my friends left after a couple of hours. I've never been to a party that flopped as badly as this one. Oh ...I know what happened tonight. 　　　　L: 那是为什么呢？ 　　　　M: Today is the first Saturday of the new semester. Professor Wilkins always invites all of the graduate students in my department to a big pool party at his house. Everyone must have gone there! 　　　　L: 嗨，你怎么会忘了这回事呢？你的教授给研究生举行party？那我们也赶紧去参加他的party吧！我可不想在你的房间里发呆。我们也要去找点乐子啊！ 　　　　M: That's wonderful. My party is such a flop even you can't wait to leave. 　　　　L: 哎哟，有什么关系？只要我们能参加另一个party就好了。我已经等不及了，赶快走吧！ 　　　　今天李华学会了两个常用语：psyched和to flop。Psyched在这里就是“精神高昂，盼望某件事情”的意思，to flop就是“失败，不成功”的意思。　　
　　记号 记号 记号 记号
　　「美国习惯用语」第五十四讲　　bomb 　　　　To drop a bombshell 　　　　语言往往是难以捉摸，也是没有道理可讲的。我们刚才给大家介绍了Blockbuster。Blockbuster是指某件事，特别是文艺作品，取得很大成功。可是，你要是用另外一种武器的名字，它的意思可以完全相反。例如：bomb。 Bomb就是炸弹，也一样是一种武器。但是，在电影和音乐方面，你要是用bomb这个字，它的意思就是不成功，不受欢迎，卖座率很低。要是有一则新闻报导说最近一位著名歌星录制的歌曲是一个bomb的话，那就是告诉你，这张唱片或磁带没有像想象中销路那么好。要是你听到别人说： 　　　　例句-1: A newspaper says that a picture that had cost 34 million dollars to make has bombed at the box office. 　　　　你大概可以知道这句话的意思是：“一份报纸说，一部花了三千四百万美元摄制的影片卖座率很低。”也就是说，这部电影的本钱都收不回来。 　　　　我们再来听听一位在好莱坞采访的记者讲的话吧： 　　　　例句-2: This young producer made money on his first three films, so the studio invested forty million in his fourth film. But it turned out to be a real bomb -- it didn't make enough to get back the investment. 　　　　这位记者说：“这位年轻的电影制片人开始拍摄的三部影片卖座率很高，赚了不少钱，所以电影公司就投资四千万美元让他拍第四部电影。可是，这部电影的卖座率实在很低，因此连本钱都没赚回来。” 　　　　下面我们要给大家介绍的一个俗语也和 bomb 有关，但是它的意思和 bomb 又很不相同。这个习惯用语就是：to drop a bombshell。 To drop a bombshell 的意思是：宣布令人震惊的消息，就像一枚炸弹在你身旁突然爆炸一样让你吃惊。下面这个祖父宣布的消息确实会让人感到很惊讶： 　　　　例句-3: Grandfather dropped a bombshell last night when he told the family he is marrying a woman 40 years younger than he is. 　　　　这句话的意思是：“祖父昨晚上对家里的人说，他要和一个比他年轻四十岁的女子结婚，这可真叫大家吃了一惊。” 　　　　你知道美国历史上最令人吃惊的事之一是什么吗？下面这个例子就会告诉你： 　　　　例句-4: In March 1968 President Lyndon Johnson dropped one of the biggest bombshells ever dropped in American politics when he announced that he would not run for re-election because of the Vietnam War. 　　　　这是说：“1968年3月美国总统约翰逊宣布，因为越南战争，他决定不竞选连任。这可是美国政治史上最令人震惊的消息之一了。” 　　　　
　　流行美语第54课　　　　pain in the neck 　　　　to have had it 　　　　今天Michael会教李华两个常用语：pain in the neck和to have had it。 　　　　M: Hello? I'm sorry. I'm not interested. No. No thank you. Look, I said I am not interested! 　　　　L: Michael，是谁打来的电话，让你这么生气啊？ 　　　　M: That was someone who wanted to sell me a magazine subscription over the phone. Those people are such a pain in the neck! 　　　　L: 嗯，我也不喜欢别人在电话里跟我推销东西。可是你叫他们什么？A pain in the neck？ 　　　　M: That's right. Pain. A pain in the neck is something that is just very very annoying. 　　　　L: 噢，我明白了,“a pain in the neck”就是指讨厌到了极点。 　　　　M: Exactly. I can't stand telemarketers. When I get home and finally sit down, they always call. What a pain! 　　　　L: 那是真的很讨厌。哎,“a pain in the neck”是不是只能形容人呢？ 　　　　M: Not always. Things or situations can be a &pain in the neck&. 　　　　L: 噢, 所以，“a pain in the neck”还可以拿来指某样东西，或者是某种处境。那我可不可以说“It is such a pain in the neck when the electricity goes out”? 　　　　M: You've got it! And it really was a pain in the neck, too! I couldn't do anything last week when we had the blackout. I couldn't cook, couldn't watch TV...... 　　　　L: 哎哟，不能看电视算得上什么“pain in the neck”。那天我开车回家，马路上连红绿灯都坏了，那才叫不方便呢。 　　　　M: Yeah, well that's all over now. Oh man! It's my neighbor again! He always plays his drums in the evening. It's such a pain in the neck. 　　　　L: 原来是你的邻居，他又在练习打鼓啊。唉，我也有个讨厌的邻居，她那只狗总是叫个不停，有时候晚上睡着了又给那狗吵醒了。真是个“pain in the neck”。 　　　　M: Yeah, well if it's that bad, why don't you ask your neighbor to do something about it. 　　　　L: 有啊。可是她不但不改，还和我们耍态度呢。这个人啊，也是个“pain in the neck”。 　　　　M: I guess the only thing worse than telemarketers are noisy neighbors. 　　　　****** 　　　　M: I have had it! That guy has got to stop doing this.....I've got to call him.　　　　L: 等等，Michael，你说“I have had it”，那是什么意思啊？ 　　　　M: It means that I am so annoyed by something that I cannot stand it any longer. 　　　　L: 噢,“I have had it”就是你再也无法忍受了 ，是不是？ 　　　　M: That's right. When we say &I have had it,& we just mean that we have been dealing with the problem for a long time, and can't stand it any longer. 　　　　L: 哎，Michael，这次让我来接。(Speaking to phone in English) Hello? No, sorry, I'm not interested. No, I'm not the lady of the house. Listen, we've had it with you telemarketers! Leave us alone! 　　　　M: Wow, looks like you learned this phrase quickly. Don't you think you were a bit rude with them? 　　　　L: 什么？你说我粗鲁？哎呀，我真是受不了你。你这个人啊，就是没有魄力，什么事也做不成。你讨厌谁就直接告诉他嘛。还有啊，为什么你不敢理直气壮告诉你的邻居他打鼓的声音太吵了。光坐在那 儿抱怨有什么用吗？ 　　　　M: Alright then, I've really had it with my neighbor. I'm going to do something about it this time. 　　　　L: (Mocking tone of voice) 哟，Michael，这回来真的啦。你要做什么，打电话向你妈咪诉苦吗？ 　　　　M: I've had it with you too, Li Hua. You always laugh at me. You can be such a pain in the neck! 　　　　L: 哎呀，Michael，对不起嘛。我不是故意要气你的啦！不过你说的也没错，有的时候我还真的是“pain in the neck”。 　　　　M: No.....no. You're not really a pain in the neck. The noise is just making me crazy. I'm going to call that guy and tell him to stop. 　　　　今天李华学的两个常用语都和人的情绪有关，pain in the neck是讨厌到了极点，to have had it是再也无法忍受下去了。　　　　　　
　　天天学习，天天进步！～
　　加油~~
　　谢谢楼主每天的勤奋,这些资料真的是太宝贵了,谢谢!
　　谢谢楼主。辛苦了呵
　　「美国习惯用语」第五十五讲　　　　 　　　　　　oddball 　　　　odds and ends 　　　　你们大概都知道，英文里有许多单字可以有好几种解释，有时使得学英语的人感到很糊涂，到底这个字是什么意思。就拿odd这个字来说吧， odd这个字仅仅只有三个字母组成，可是它却有好几个意思。它可以形容某个很奇怪的人或者行为，也可以指一、三、五这样的单数。Odd这个字还可以和别的字合在一起用，当然和不同的字合在一起它的意思也就不同。例如：Oddball。要是你说某人是个oddball，那就是说这个人表现的很奇怪，和一般人不一样。我们来举个例子吧： 　　　　例句-1: My friend Joe is certainly an oddball. In the summer he puts his shoes in the refrigerator at night so his feet will be cool when he goes to work in the morning. 　　　　这是说：“我的朋友乔伊真怪。在夏天，他晚上把鞋子放在冰箱里，说是第二天早上去上班去的时候，脚可以凉快一点。” 　　　　世界上的怪人还是很多的。下面这个例子说的那个人也是怪得出奇： 　　　　例句-2: And another oddball is Bill, especially when it comes to food. Can you believe it, he even puts catchup on his ice cream. Talk about oddballs! 　　　　这句话的意思是：“另外一个很怪的人是比尔，特别是在吃东西方面。你信不信，他吃冰淇淋的时候竟然还要加蕃茄酱。真是什么怪人都有！” 　　　　****** 　　　　我们下面再来讲一个 odd和其它字合在一起的习惯用语：Odds and ends。 Odds and ends 的意思是：零碎东西。比如，一个人要到外地去旅行，他可能会说： 　　　　例句-3: Okay, I'm all packed now, except for a few odds and ends I'll put in a handbag and carry on the plane with me. 　　　　这人说：“行了，我的行李都准备好了，还有一些零星小东西，我准备把它们放在手提包里，随身带上飞机去。” 　　　　你要是到美国的公司或其他机构去参观的话，你可以看到很多人的办公桌上很乱，纸张文件堆得很高。下面这个人就是一个例子： 　　　　例句-4: One good thing I got done at the office today was clean up my desk. I'd let so many odds and ends pile up that you could scarcely see the desk itself. But I got busy and took care of everything. 　　　　这个人说：“今天我在办公室里做的一件好事是把我的桌子整理乾净了。那些零零碎碎的东西越堆越多，简直连桌面都看不见了。可是，我今天抓紧时间，把所有的东西都整理好了。”　　
　　流行美语第55课　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　今天Michael和李华到了一家中餐馆吃饭，二人正在点菜。李华学到了两个词儿：already和one to talk。 　　　　L: 啊， 我的天啊，我饿死了。这菜单上每一个菜我都爱吃。 　　　　M: OK, just order something already! 　　　　L: Michael, 你说什么？我什么菜都还没点，连服务生都还没来呢，你怎么就说“already”呢？ 　　　　M: No, no, Li Hua, I said, &Order something already!& I meant that you should hurry up. 　　　　L: 噢，所以，你在这儿用了“already”，就是叫我快一点啊。可是你把这个字用在句子的最后面，这种用法好奇怪哟！ 　　　　M: When we say &already& at the end of a sentence, sometimes we are showing that we are impatient, that we want somebody to stop waiting and to do something. 　　　　L: 噢，我懂了。你能不能再给我举个例子啊？ 　　　　M: OK. Remember when we were stopped at a light earlier today? The car in front of me didn't move when the light turned green, so I yelled -- &Come on, move already!& 　　　　L: 嗯，我懂了，我懂了，这个习惯用语很简单嘛。 　　　　M: Yeah? Well, go ahead! Make a sentence already! 　　　　L: O.K. 你不是老是说那个叫Cindy的女孩儿有多可爱吗？ So come on, ask her out already! 　　　　M: Um, well, the sentence is correct, but I don't really know Cindy that well. I'm a little shy around girls, you know. 　　　　L: 管他呢，你怕什么？ Just talk to her already! 　　　　M: Well, actually I've talked to her before, but I was really nervous. I did get her phone number. I told her I might call her if I missed class and needed to borrow her notes. 　　　　L: 啊，你已经有她的电话号码啦