Idioms and Slang/Today's Phrase Flashcards
to burst someone’s bubble
粉碎某人的美梦，泼人冷水的意思。
I had a great idea for a new website, until George burst my bubble and told me someone had already got there first.
I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but the party has been cancelled.
I hate to burst your bubble, but you won’t be getting a pay rise this year.
当什么东西 bubbles up 这就说这个东西涨起来了，或者可理解为什么事情突然出现或发生了。
Anger and unrest have been bubbling up across parts of the city today.
a window of opportunity
时机之窗的意思，指可以做某件事的一个短暂的时机。
例句
I’ve got a window of opportunity to talk to my boss about a pay rise tomorrow.
Meet me in reception – there might be a window of opportunity for me to let you into the concert!
Sometimes a problem can actually be a window of opportunity.
请注意
Out the window 的意思是什么事情已经过去了，来不及了，不可能了
My computer crashed yesterday, so any chance of finishing my work is out the window.
hair-raising
让人感到毛骨悚然，既惊险，兴奋又令人恐惧。
例句
Some of the roads we drove along in Peru were very dangerous – it was a hair-raising experience!
Dave loved to talk about his hair-raising encounters as a war reporter.
Sarah had a hair-raising brush with death the second time she went parachuting.
请注意
另一个短语To let your hair down 意思是彻底放松，不去理会其他任何事。.
It was Friday night; after a busy week it was time for Jane and her friends to let their hair down.
get into the swing of things
如果形容一个人 get into the swing of things 那就表示此人能够顺应环境，融入其中，开始进入状态。
例句
We’re here to enjoy the music – why don’t you relax and get into the swing of things?
Jane started her new job on Monday and quickly got into the swing of things.
After returning from his holiday, John couldn’t get into the swing of things back at work.
请注意
另一个短语 take a swing at someone 是挥拳打人，动手打人的意思。
During the Christmas party Bob tried to kiss Barbara, so Dave took a swing at him.
a taste of your own medicine
例句
Now you see how it feels to have someone call you names! You are getting a taste of your own medicine!
He got a taste of his own medicine when she decided to turn up late.
请注意
另一个短语 ‘laughter is the best medicine’ 意思是笑能治病，笑能养身，其实就是汉语里的所谓笑一笑十年少。
steal someone’s thunder
意思是窃取别人的成果和荣誉从而达到利己的目的。
例句
Sam stole my thunder when he said he’d done all the work. It’s not true – I did most of it!
Please don’t steal my thunder by announcing your engagement tonight. I want to tell everyone that I’m pregnant.
I was telling a joke and he just interrupted me to tell a different one. He always steals my thunder.
请注意
你知道 thunder 和 lightning 这两个词的区别吗？前者意思是雷鸣；后者的意思是闪电。
I enjoyed the storm last night and managed to take photos of the lightning. My dog hid under the table because he’s scared of thunder.
up for grabs
如果说某物是 up for grabs, 那么就表示此物尚无主，可以供人随便抓取。谁拿走就是谁的。
例句
Is this last biscuit up for grabs? I’m starving.
There are some great prizes up for grabs in tonight’s pub quiz.
There are three scholarships up for grabs. I’m definitely going to apply.
请注意
注意这个短语总是以复数形式出现，即便是形容单数名词也是如此 up for grabs.
Incorrect 错误: There is still one prize up for grab.
Correct 正确: There is still one prize up for grabs.
rattle someone’s cage
故意让某人恼火，不悦。
例句
I wouldn’t approach John at the moment, someone’s really rattled his cage this morning and he’s in a horrible mood.
Why are you so cross? Who’s rattled your cage today?
My girlfriend deliberately hid my car keys so that I wouldn’t go out with my friends – it’s really rattled my cage!
请注意
如果某人形容自己的处境犹如被锁在笼子里 caged in 那么意思就是空间狭小，左右受到限制。
This flat is far too small, I feel really caged in.
I don’t like travelling on the tube during rush hour – you feel so caged in.
May the best man win
意思是愿最佳者胜出。
例句
My best friend and I are both going for the same job interview. All I can say is, “May the best man win”.
I’ve got tickets for the Wimbledon final! I don’t have a favourite player, so may the best man win.
You’ve both worked very hard for this race, so I know you’ll do your best. May the best man win!
请注意
如果形容某人是 onto a winner 那么意思就是某人将成为赢家。
I think I’m onto a winner with these new cupcakes – I’ve sold 100 this morning alone!
We’ll be onto a winner if we can set up our ice-cream business before the end of the summer.
the end of an era
在一个重要历史阶段或一项重大活动告一段落时，我们可以使用短语 the end of an era 来表示，一个时代的结束。
例句
We’re going to be leaving university next week – it will be the end of an era.
The defending champion lost her title in the marathon, marking the end of an era for her athletics success.
Most people choose to download music nowadays. It’s the end of an era for CDs.
请注意
表示一个新的，与以往不同的阶段即将开始，可以使用the dawn of a new era, 一个新纪元的黎明。
We’re getting a new manager next week and I’ve heard she wants to change everything – it’s going to be the dawn of a new era in our office!
I finally decided to leave home and get a flat on my own – it’s the dawn of a new era for me!
a tower of strength
用来形容一个非常可以信赖的人，一个支柱般的人，一个中流砥柱。同义短语是 a pillar of strength.
例句
After losing my job, Stefan was a tower of strength and encouraged me to start looking for new employment.
Jane was a real tower of strength for the family following their devastating news.
David is always a tower of strength when things turn horrible at work.
请注意
形容某人脱离实际，孤芳自赏就是 to be in an ivory tower 身在象牙塔里。
Our local politician seems to live in an ivory tower – he doesn’t know what it’s really like to live in this area.
If you didn’t spend so much time in your ivory tower, you’d know what people really think.
swimmingly
形容某一件事情的进展情况时，意思就是说事情进行得非常顺利，轻轻松松，没有任何问题。
例句
I organised a dinner party and it all went swimmingly. The guests enjoyed themselves and chatted until the early hours of the morning.
Things are going swimmingly this year; we’ve made a significant profit and employed two more people.
Today isn’t exactly going swimmingly. I arrived at work late and now I can’t find my mobile phone!
请注意
另一个短语 swimming in something, 意思是充满了或大量拥有。
The cake was swimming in custard - it was delicious!
Alan is swimming in money and yet he never buys anyone a drink.
over and above
表示在数量或质量上超过了期待的水平。‘多于’或在…之上。
例句
The quality of the food was over and above what I expected from that restaurant.
The profit we made last year was over and above what we anticipated.
We’re going to need five litres of water over and above the amount we already have.
请注意
短语 over the moon 意思是心满意足，高兴致极。
The athlete was over the moon when he won his second gold medal.
My boyfriend proposed to me last night - I’m over the moon!
to give someone a hand
给谁帮忙， 助他人一臂之力。
例句
I’m really finding my homework difficult. Can you give me a hand?
Look at all the washing up! I really need someone to give me a hand!
Louise is so kind – she’s always ready to give you a hand with anything.
请注意
另一个短语 go hand in hand 的意思是两件事情是密切相关的，联在一起的。
Maths and science go hand in hand – they’re related subjects.
When watching a film, the images and sound go hand in hand.
in the long run
意思是长远来说。
例句
I’m not spending any money at all at the moment. Life is pretty boring but, in the long run, it’ll be worth it. I’ll be able to afford my dream holiday.
I’ve just quit smoking and I feel terrible, but I’m sure, in the long run, I’ll be much healthier
Jane hates studying but I keep telling her, in the long run, the effort will lead to a much better job.
请注意
如果你是 on the run , 那就是指你在逃亡中，尤其是面对警察的追捕。
After robbing the bank, the gang were on the run for a week before the police arrested them.
Police have issued a warning to avoid a dangerous criminal who’s been on the run since escaping from a high-security prison.
to give something the thumbs up
竖起大拇指，意思就是赞成同意这件事情。
例句
Daisy’s cake was delicious – I’d definitely give it the thumbs up.
Wait until I give the thumbs up before you send that email to head office.
The boss just gave me the thumbs up to take three days off next week.
请注意
另一个短语 to thumb through something 意思是 随意浏览翻阅杂志书刊。
I was in a rush so I only got to thumb through your novel on the train.
At the hairdresser’s salon, Helen enjoyed thumbing through their selection of magazines.
something is in the air
其实是想表达一件令人兴奋的事情有可能即将发生。
例句
Spring is in the air - it’s a time for change!
There’s definitely something in the air - two of my friends have announced they are getting married.
There was a feeling in the air the athlete would win gold.
请注意
A breath of fresh air 意思是一阵清风，给人焕然一新的感觉。
Anna has lots of wonderful ideas and motivation - she’s a breath of fresh air.
The new coat of paint in the lounge has given the room a breath of fresh air.
makes waves
如果某人或某事 makes waves 这就意味着他们对外产生了影响，制造风波。
例句
The footballer is making waves. I think a lot of people are shocked by his comments.
This news story is really making waves this week. Everyone is talking about it.
In the conference, he talked about the gadgets that made waves last year.
请注意
我们用 wave goodbye to something 形容向某事或某物挥手告别，接受得不到某物的事实。
I’m always late for work at the moment. I think I can wave goodbye to a pay rise this year!
If you want to get top grades, you can wave goodbye to your social life - you’ll have to study every night.
the life and soul of the party
当我们形容某人为 the life and soul of the party, 这就是说这个人非常善于社交，在社交场合中成为焦点。
例句
Johnny was talking to everyone and telling funny jokes. He was the life and soul of the party.
I love going out with George because he’s always the life and soul of the party. A night out with him is never boring!
Chloe is extremely sociable and chatty. She was the life and soul of the party last night.
请注意
另一个短语 heart and soul 字面意思是心与灵魂，可以用来比喻某人全心全意地投入到某件事情中去。
Sophia was an extremely dedicated employee and put her heart and soul into this project.
I really put my heart and soul into this painting, so I hope you like it.
take a leap of faith
当你 take a leap of faith, 这就意味着你对一件事情有信心，准备搏一搏，虽然这是属于比较冒险的行为。
例句
I took a leap of faith by buying shares in my friend’s new company.
I’ve been offered a new job but I really don’t know what it will be like. It’s a real leap of faith.
I think I’ll have perm. It’s a leap of faith but I hope it looks OK.
请注意
如果一件事情是 done in good faith，这就是说人们相信做完了这件事将会有好的结果。
I came in good faith and offered to help but they were very rude to me.
A ray of sunshine
用于形容某事或人在艰苦或困难的情况下给他人带来欢乐和希望，就像一缕阳光。
例句
After failing both my exams, going to see my mum has provided a ray of sunshine.
It’s been a really terrible few days, but he’s been like a ray of sunshine to me.
The new client provided a ray of sunshine for Steve’s business on Monday.
请注意
短语 under the sun 字面意思是在太阳底下，喻世上所有的东西。
Matthew seems to have an opinion on everything under the sun.
You can find almost everything under the sun in that shop.
Tom, Dick and Harry
字面上是三个常见英文人名，实际含义是指任何人，随便什么人。
例句
Every Tom, Dick and Harry has a mobile phone these days.
Any Tom, Dick or Harry can tie their shoelaces - it’s not difficult.
It was so crowded at the party - why did they invite every Tom, Dick and Harry?
请注意
短语 a clever dick 可以用来形容那些炫耀或卖弄自己有渊博知识的人。
He’s always talking loudly in lots of different languages - he’s such a clever dick.
to keep an ear to the ground
意思是密切关注新的信息或潮流。
例句
David had his ear to the ground when it came to news about the latest and best technology to buy.
If Susan had kept her ear to the ground, she wouldn’t have missed the opportunity for a promotion.
Don’t worry, I’ll keep my ear to the ground and let you know what’s happening as soon as possible.
请注意
To have a word in someone’s ear 意思是悄悄地告诫某人或提建议。
Did you hear what Steve just said to Mandy? I’d better have a word in his ear about it later on.
packed like sardines
字面意思是挤得像罐头里的沙丁鱼，也就是形容在人多的场合下，拥挤不堪的场面，就像图中所示。
例句
I hate getting the train in the morning. We’re all packed like sardines and it’s always hot and smelly.
Henry didn’t stay at the party for very long – he said there were so many people they were packed like sardines.
The fans were packed like sardines at the music festival.
请注意
另一个形容拥挤情况的短语是 chock-a-block, 请看例句：
I’m afraid I’m going to be late as I’m stuck in traffic. The streets are chock-a-block with cars today.
The bar was so chock-a-block with people that I couldn’t move!
on top of the world
字面意思是这个人在世界顶端，但实际是说此人处于最快乐或最成功的境界。类似汉语里的幸福至极，心满意足。
Winning a gold medal was the happiest moment of my life. I was on top of the world.
He’s so happy now that he’s recovered from his illness - he feels on top of the world.
Lucy has really bad mood swings. One minute she’s on top of the world, and the next she’s irritable and bad-tempered.
请注意
英语中有许多形容快乐的词语表达， 例如 on top, ecstatic, thrilled, delighted, happy as can be.
My daughter was thrilled when she got her exam results.
Amy was delighted when they offered her the job.
Ed’s girlfriend is moving in with him. He’s happy as can be.
makes the grade
如果某人或某事被形容为 makes the grade, 意思是说他们达标了，符合要求，成功了。但这个短语往往用于否定句式，比如当什么事情没做好或不符合要求的时候。请注意以下例句中这个短语的用法。
例句
The marking of exams has been tougher this year and many students just didn’t make the grade.
This work is awful. It simply doesn’t make the grade.
I have every confidence in you and expect you to make the grade.
请注意
当你 grade someone down on something 这就是说你给别人的表现打低分，这是因为他们可能犯了某个错误。
I’m afraid I had to grade you down on your essay for poor spelling.
as good as gold
如果一个人被形容为 as good as gold, 那就意味着这个人表现很乖，很好，通常用来形容孩子。
You’ll have to be as good as gold during the wedding – don’t go running off in the church!
Daddy bought me a new toy for being as good as gold today.
I was so worried my little girl was going to be scared of the animals at the zoo, but she was as good as gold.
请注意
另一个短语是 a heart of gold, 形容一个人心肠极好
My uncle Ronnie does a lot of volunteer work in the local community – he really does have a heart of gold.
hands on
如果某人是 hands on 那就是说他亲自参与做某件事情。如果一活动的内容包括很多动手的机会, 那么就可以称之为 hands on。
Our shop manager is really hands-on. She gets involved with everything from serving customers to stocking shelves.
On our training course, you’ll get hands-on experience of using graphic design packages.
I hope that the new headmaster will be more hands-on in the school and get involved in teaching the children.
请注意
如果你大声对他人说 “hands off”, 意思是警告他们别碰什么东西。
Hey! Hands off my new mp3 player – you’ll break it!
goes down like a lead balloon
如果你说的话或做的事 goes down like a lead balloon, 这就意味着起不受欢迎，激起了他人的不满或反感。
David’s joke was in very poor taste. It went down like a lead balloon!
The news of Jenny’s engagement went down like a lead balloon when she told the girls – they cannot stand her boyfriend!
The job cuts will go down like a lead balloon when the workers are told about them.
请注意
通俗表达 to swing the lead 意思是假装生病逃避工作。
I’m sick of having to do the work for my colleague – he’s always swinging the lead!
To go out with a bang
某件事情成功地完成，并得到了人们的赞赏和雷鸣般的掌声。
The festival went out with a bang when the world-famous rock band came on to play.
John got a karaoke machine for his leaving party to ensure that he went out with a bang!
The fireworks at the closing ceremony ensured that the London 2012 Olympic Games went out with a bang.
请注意
另一个通俗短语 to bang something out 意思是很仓促地完成一件事情。
I had to bang out my last assignment overnight as I’d completely forgotten about it.
record-breaking
破了以前所有的纪录。
You will have to run very fast to achieve a record-breaking time in the marathon.
I’m pleased to say that the charity fundraiser has raised a record-breaking total of seven million pounds!
The most an athlete could ever wish for is to go down in history by achieving a record-breaking result.
请注意
短语 off the record, 意思是不能公开说的话，是要保密的。
Off the record, I personally think that the boss made a bad decision.
A knight in shining armour
传统意思是拯救少女的身着闪光盔甲的骑士。如今指帮人排忧解难的英雄人物。
David came to help me when my car broke down - he’s my knight in shining armour.
Thank you for bringing me that coffee - you’re my knight in shining armour!
I just cannot get this computer to work. I need a knight in shining armour to come and fix it for me.
请注意
英语单词 knight 是盔甲骑士的意思，这个词的发音与英语中的黑夜 night 同样，需要特别注意。
During the dead of night, a knight rode into the castle to rescue the princess.
fall at the first hurdle
意思就是在做某件事情的时候，在一开始就犯了错误或失败了。
The football team fell at the first hurdle when they were knocked out of the tournament in the opening game.
My plan to travel the world fell at the first hurdle when I realised I’d lost my passport before I even left the country.
His efforts to save money fell at the first hurdle when the washing machine broke down and he had to buy a new one.
请注意
另一个短语 fall or bend over backwards 意思是为取悦他人而竭尽全力。
I fell over backwards to make a nice meal for my mother-in-law.
I always bend over backwards to make sure my work is accurate.
sail through
轻轻松松，非常顺利地就完成了这件事情。
My sister sailed through her exams and is looking forward to starting university.
Don’t worry about your job interview, you’ll sail through it.
We sailed through the traffic and arrived at the hotel ahead of schedule.
请注意
如果某人 sail close to the wind 意思就是他冒险行事甚至做几乎违法的事情。
I think that journalist sailed close to the wind with the comments she made about the NHS.
a bolt from the blue
发生了完全意想不到的事情，晴天霹雳。
The prime minister’s resignation was a bolt from the blue.
It was a real bolt from the blue when I bumped into my first ever boyfriend in the supermarket.
The announcement about redundancies was a bolt from the blue for the workers in the office.
请注意
另一个短语 out of blue 含义相似 ，也有突如其来，意想不到的意思。
His marriage proposal came out of the blue – but she said yes!
have your eye on the ball
把注意力都放了这件事情上，全神贯注。
I’ve got my driving test this afternoon. I really need to keep my eye on the ball if I’m going to pass.
I’m going on safari today. If I keep my eye on the ball, I might be lucky and see a lion!
Keep your eye on the ball with this project – we need to make sure we deliver it on time!
请注意
如果你 drop the ball, 那就是说你犯错误了，做错事了。
I really dropped the ball in that interview – there’s no chance I’ll get the job.
to ride something out
克服困难或冲过难关。
I lost my job and can’t spend a lot of money at the moment - I’ll just have to ride it out until I get a new one.
Jonathan had never run a marathon before - he was tired even before the halfway mark, but he managed to ride it out and finish the race.
I can’t believe the prime minister rode out that scandal and is still in office!
请注意
短语 ride a wave 意思是你随和民意或加入民潮。
The British public is really riding the wave of cycling after Bradley Wiggins’ success.
hit out at
当你 hit out at 某人或某件事情时，意思是你在言论上抨击对方。
The MP hit out at the journalists who criticised the government’s policy.
My friend hit out at everyone when she discovered she wasn’t invited to the party.
The singer used her website to hit out at fans who had leaked her album early.
请注意
如果你 hit back at 某人，意思是反驳或回击某人。
The president hit back at the opposition’s criticism of the budget by announcing that 10,000 new jobs would be created.
splash out
在可能没有什么意义的东西或事情上花上一大笔钱。
I was feeling down, so I splashed out on a new computer and then felt great.
The shops were full of people splashing out after pay day.
I fancy sushi. Let’s splash out and go to that new restaurant down the road. It’s expensive but the food looks delicious.
请注意
另一个短语 make a splash 意思是某人突然出名或非常成功。
Bradley Wiggins made a splash by winning the Tour de France. Nobody had heard of him and a week later he started the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
take to something like duck to water
第一次尝试做某件事情时发现自己非常上手，做得很棒。
He took to golf like a duck to water. He’d never played before but hit a hole in one!
Kate never seemed like the mothering type but when her daughter was born she took to it like a duck to water. She was a real natural!
请注意
另一个短语 a sitting duck 意思是容易成为被攻击的目标。
Example: The soldiers were left exposed on the hill. They really were sitting ducks for the enemy.
You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink
这是一个比喻性短语，字面意思是你能把马牵到河边，但你不能强迫马饮水，实际的意思是你能为别人提供学习或做事情的机会，但是不能强迫他们接受或把握这个机会。
例句
I gave him the email address of the person in charge of recruitment but he still didn’t contact him about the job. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.
We arranged everything for Kate: we paid for the train ticket, ordered a taxi from the station and even made a hotel booking but she still didn’t turn up to the wedding. You know what they say: you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.
请注意
Horseplay 的意思是动手动脚地大声欢笑和玩闹；恶作剧； 胡闹。
My nephews are always fighting and getting up to all kinds of horseplay.
to be under starter’s orders
待发起跑令。
The athletes have been waiting for this moment for years. They’re under starter’s orders. And they’re off!
It was only a second or two but the runners seemed to be under starter’s orders for hours before the pistol was fired.
请注意
Under arms 意思是出于备战状态中，随时准备作战。
Example: The rebels were under arms and an attack was just a matter of time.
carry a torch for someone
單相思 John has carried a torch for Jane for years but she doesn't seem to notice. "George is such a nice guy, isn't he? You carry a torch for him, don't you? No! Well yes actually… is it obvious?" 请注意 另一个短语 to carry the can 意思是替人受过。 Example: The boss is so lazy but when there's a mistake I always have to carry the can for him.
clowning around
当某人在胡闹或装小丑的时候你就可以用 clowning around 来形容。
Stop clowning around and put your coat on. We’re going to be late!
I meant to do so much work today but ended up clowning around most of the day.
He was a terrible student - always clowning around in classes.
请注意
To fool someone 是另一个短语，意思是骗人，让人相信一件不真实的事。
Example: I used to fool the bar staff and get served beer when I was only 16.
sailing close to the wind
如果形容某人 is sailing close to the wind 意思就是某人做冒险的事或斗胆做几乎是违法的事。
John’s business practices were sailing close to the wind. He was very close to having the company shut down.
Susan’s comments were sailing close to the wind so we had to ask her to tone them down.
请注意
另一个短语是 to take the wind out of (somebody’s) sails. 意思是杀杀某人的嚣张气焰或挑战某人盛气凌人的态度。
Example: I was ready for an argument with my boyfriend but then he bought me some flowers and it took the wind out of my sails.
to jump for joy
非常高兴，兴高采烈，欢呼雀跃。
Helen jumped for joy when her boyfriend asked her to marry him.
John jumped for joy when he discovered he had won the lottery!
The students were jumping for joy when they saw their exam results.
请注意
另一个短语 to jump the gun 意思是行动过早，操之过急。
Example: We don’t want to jump the gun by announcing who’s passed the exam until all the results are in.
the leader of the pack
领头者，起领头作用。
Bradley Wiggins is the leader of the pack in the Tour de France!
For many, Madonna is seen at the leader of the pack in the world of female pop stars.
请注意
短语 a pack mentality 的意思是跟着集体走，缺乏独立思考和计划，一种从众心态。
For example: The boys’ pack mentality meant that they couldn’t find their way out of the forest.
crystal clear
非常清楚，极其明白。
He’s given me crystal clear instructions on how to get to the wedding.
The boss was crystal clear about what she wanted the team to do whilst she was on holiday.
请注意
另一个短语 clear as mud, 表示很难理解或令人费解。
These instructions are as clear as mud – I’m never going to be able to get this mp3 player to work!
to hang in there
在困难的情况下忍耐一下，坚持下去。
I know money is tight right now, but hang in there and it’ll get better.
I’m desperate to know my exam results, but I’ll just have to hang in there until they are published.
请注意
另一个短语 hang up 用来表示挂断电话的意思。
I can’t believe Claire sometimes. I was in the middle of a conversation and she just hung up!
to bite someone’s head off
气愤地回答某人的问题，而且往往是在对方没有准备的情况下，类似汉语中的严厉斥责。
I’m very sorry I lost my temper, I didn’t mean to bite your head off.
Don’t bite my head off, it wasn’t my fault, I was just explaining the situation.
请注意
另一个短语 to bite your tongue 意思是强忍住不说出的意思。
For example: I had to bite my tongue to stop me from telling her what I really thought.
stick in the mud
保守，墨守成规，不喜欢新事物，缺乏创意。
John is such a stick in the mud, he never wants to go anywhere other than Spain for his holiday.
Don’t be a stick in the mud; let’s try the other restaurant for a change.
请注意
不要混淆另一个短语的意思。As clear as mud 意思是混乱，不清晰。
For example: His instructions were as clear as mud.
To be in a spin
用来形容很多事情同时发生，让人应接不暇，手忙脚乱，不知所措。
Jane was in a spin after everyone had given her a job to do.
“My head’s in a spin, I’ve got too many things to do!”
请注意
另一个短语 a spin-off 表示由什么派生出来。比如子公司或副产品。
This new TV show is a spin-off from the original hit TV series.
The button-making company is a spin-off of the main shirt-making business.
Step by step
一步一步地做，逐步地完成。
I’ve got to pack up all of my belongings before we move. I’ve got so many things, but I’ll just have to do it step by step.
Here is a handy guide to help you pass your driving test, step by step.
It takes a long time to plan a wedding; you have to do it step by step.
请注意
如果你让他人step on it, 意思就是让他们快点儿。
We’ll have to hurry if you’re going to make the 17.15 train – come on, step on it!
sink or swim
在一种特定情况下， 孤注一掷，成败在此一举。
Mary has decided to open a clothes shop in spite of the current economic recession. Let’s see if she will sink or swim.
I’ve been accepted by one of the best universities in Britain. It will be a tough year and I know my family is wondering if I’ll sink or swim.
请注意
如果说 to have a sinking feeling 那就是一个人对什么事情有一种不祥的预感。
The main player in the team has just got a red card! I’ve a sinking feeling that my team is going to lose this match.
A damp squib
事情根本不像预想的那么好，希望落空了。
I heard it was going to be the greatest fireworks display ever but it turned out to be a damp squib. Everything was finished in 30 seconds and half of them didn’t work.
The opening ceremony was a bit of a damp squib. It wasn’t as spectacular as I thought it would be and I got bored towards the end.
My 18th birthday party turned out to be a damp squib. Only two people turned up and the food I ordered was rubbish.
请注意
另一个短语 damp something down 意思是降低，抑制。
She tried to damp down rumours about her relationship with her boss.
a big fish
重要人物
I’ve got a very important meeting with Mr Johnston later – he’s the big fish in the company!
Sepp Blatter is the President of FIFA and a big fish in international football.
If you want the organisation to invest in your project, you really need to talk to a big fish, not me.
请注意
当某人是 a big fish in a small pond 小池塘里的一条大鱼，一个意思是小池塘里的一大鱼；另一个意思是说这个人是大材小用。
She thinks she’s really important, but she’s just a big fish in a small pond
face (something) head-on
勇敢面对并处理碰到的问题或困难。
Shopkeepers are so concerned about the high crime rate in their area that they’re putting commercial issues aside and getting together to tackle the problem head-on.
John was blind from childhood but his parents have always been proud of him. He’s always been used to confronting his disabilities face-on.
Youth unemployment will continue to rise till the government decides to face the chronic lack of good schools head-on.
请注意
如果你 keep your head down, 那么就是说表现很低调，避免引起他人的注意力。
Joan’s boss is in a foul mood today and she’s been avoiding trouble by keeping her head down.
to rub shoulders with (somebody)
同名流相遇，接触。
Mary was lucky get a job in a movie studio canteen. Now she might even rub shoulders with famous actors.
At the book launch I ended up rubbing shoulders with the great and the good of the literary world.
请注意
另一个短语 looking over his or her shoulder 意思是小心提防的。
Yesterday I took a wrong turn and ended up in the most derelict part of town. I was looking over my shoulder all the time till I found a taxi to take me home.
on your bike
告诉别人快走开，不要来烦你了。因为这不是一个礼貌表达，所以使用时要注意。
You want twenty pounds to clean my windows? On your bike!
Hey, on your bike – ball games are not allowed on the village green!
I told you, I don’t want to go out with you any more – on your bike!
请注意
另一个不表达让别人走开的非正式用语是 get lost, 去你的！
This is private property, you are trespassing! Get lost!
stares you in the face
比喻什么事情很明显，就在眼前。
The detective realised soon that he had been staring the solution to the crime in the face all along: the murderer was the butler!
If we calm down in a crisis we might find out that the way out of it is staring us in the face.
请注意
另一个短语 stare someone down 的意思是施加压力，让他人让步或投降。
I’m a very persistent person and no amount of staring down will make me give up on joining the posh country club!
To soldier on
当你做事情碰到困难但仍然顽强地坚持下去，这样的态度就可以被形容为 to soldier on.
He picked up a nasty injury but had to soldier on till the end of the football match because the coach had used up all of the substitutes.
Jane felt terrible but soldiered on till the end of the day.
The company was facing bankruptcy but the workers soldiered on till the bitter end.
请注意
短语 in the wars 意思是形容某人最近身体受了不少伤，遍体鳞伤。
Dave cut his throat shaving because his broken leg made him lose his balance. He’s really been in the wars recently.
jaw-dropping
在我们为某事感到惊呆时可以用 jaw-dropping 来形容，类似汉语里的瞠目结舌。
Norway’s Lofoten islands are famous for their jaw-dropping views of the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights.
Some pictures by old masters reach jaw-dropping prices at auction.
When the rate of inflation was published earlier this week, even the most resilient corporations were concerned about the jaw-dropping data.
请注意
另一个词（美式英语）a jawbreaker 是绕口令。不过绕口令在英式英语里叫 tongue twister.
Speech therapists use jawbreakers like ‘the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain’ as an exercise to make people speak more clearly.
kick up your heels
要无拘无束地好好享受一下。
It’s Friday night and I’m looking forward to going out and kicking up my heels.
We won the big contract so we’re all going out to kick up our heels.
After the exams we kicked up our heels and had a really good party.
请注意
另一个短语 kicking your heels 表示等待。
He was supposed to meet me at eight o’clock but I was left kicking my heels for half an hour.
touch wood
但愿走好运的意思。
I’ve done all of the preparation for the exam, so nothing can go wrong now – touch wood!
I’ve never broken any bones, touch wood!
The train is currently on time so we shouldn’t miss our flight, touch wood.
请注意
如果形容一种状态为 touch-and-go, 那就是说形式或状态很不稳定。
My grandfather had an operation last week. It was touch-and-go at one point, but he’s fully recovered now.
in deep water
陷入困境或处于水深火热之中。
We’re going to be in deep water if the bank can’t authorize our loan.
I’ll be in deep water unless I pass all three exams.
She left her brother’s laptop on the train! She’s really going to be in deep water with him.
请注意
另一个短语 to open the floodgates 意思是打开水闸，打开大门，也可以表示倾诉。
The court’s decision could open the floodgates for large numbers of other cases involving human rights issues.
between a rock and a hard place
当你身处于岩石与硬壁之间 between a rock and a hard place, 那么你面对棘手问题，让你左右为难或进退两难。
Bill couldn’t make up his mind what to do. He was caught between a rock and a hard place.
The interview candidates were all so good that Jenny was caught between a rock and a hard place over who to hire.
The government is stuck between a rock and a hard place over how it will make significant cuts to the budget.
请注意
短语 steady as a rock 意思是非常稳定，不可动摇， 坚如磐石
The pressure was immense, but he was steady as a rock when he took the last throw of the game.
To wax lyrical
如果一个人 wax lyrical 那就是说他开始对某事滔滔不绝地谈起来。类似汉语里我们常说的高谈阔论或滔滔不绝。
Sarah’s been waxing lyrical about her new job, she really loves it.
Don’t get him started about his children – he’ll wax lyrical about them for hours.
Our girls’ night out was so boring because Kerry waxed lyrical about her boyfriend the whole time.
请注意
英语动词 boast 意思是吹嘘，吹捧，自大自夸。
John gets on my nerves – he was boasting about his new car all day.
something fishy
一件事情让人觉得可疑。
Hang on, my laptop was here a second ago. Something fishy’s going on.
There’s something fishy about that guy. He never looks at you when he speaks.
There’s something very fishy about the explanation they gave for the cancelled train. I wonder what’s going on.
请注意
另一个短语 a fish out of water 意思是如鱼离水，不得其所。
You should have seen the boss dancing at the office party - real fish out of water!
at full stretch
竭尽全力
当我们形容某人工作状态是 at full stretch, 这就意味着他已经是竭尽全力的在工作。
New models of mobile phones are very popular and manufacturers have been working at full stretch to meet the demand.
My mother wants to make my granny’s 70th birthday the event of the year and she’s been working at full stretch in the kitchen to prepare her best dishes.
请注意
短语 to stretch the rule 字面意思是把规则拉长，实际是指做的事情有违规则， 但情有可原。
My boss is very strict when it comes to taking days off but when I my son had a stomach bug he stretched the rules and allowed me to work from home.
A bird’s eye view
鸟瞰 a bird’s eye view 意思是俯视，是因为居高临下，一览无余，让你能俯视全景。
From the aeroplane we got a bird’s eye view of the spectacular snow capped mountains.
From the top floor of our hotel we had a bird’s eye view of the city below.
请注意
短语as free as a bird 形容的是完全没有约束，无忧无虑的感觉，就像一只自由飞翔的小鸟。
Eg: I was as free as a bird when I finished my final school exam.
After quitting my job I felt as free as a bird as I could do exactly what I wanted.
have your hands full
短语 have your hands full, 意思是非常忙，手头事情应接不暇。
例句
He can’t help today because he has his hands full. He has to go shopping, pick his children up from school and then cook dinner.
I’ve really got my hands full today. I haven’t even had a chance to make a cup of tea yet.
Can I call you later because I’ve got my hands full right now? I’ve got so much to do.
请注意
如果你碰到难对付的人，那么你可以形容他们是 a handful.
My niece is a lovely child but she’s a real handful. She made such a mess in my house yesterday.
Christopher is such a handful when he’s been drinking. After a few beers he starts hugging everyone - even strangers!
hanging around
如果形容某人是 hanging around, 意思就是此人无所事事，没有目的闲逛。
例句
I like going shopping with my friends but we spend most of the day just hanging around in the mall.
I don’t think he really loves me. I’m getting sick of hanging around waiting for him to call.
There is nothing for teenagers to do round here. They just spend their evenings hanging around street corners.
请注意
Hanging up on someone 意思是在通话过程中（由于某种原因）一个人突然把电话挂断。
If you don’t stop shouting at me, I’m hanging up right now!
hang on
请他人稍等片刻
Can you hang on for five minutes? I’d like to come with you but I need to make a phone call first.
Hang on a minute – don’t leave without trying some chocolate cake!
Hang on! Look over there, isn’t that Joe in the yellow T-shirt and straw hat?
请注意
英语中我们有时会告诉别人 to hang in there. 这是一个口语化表达意思是在困难时期坚持下去。
Even though you hate your job, just hang in there for a couple more months, it will look great on your CV!
I know you can’t stand your mother-in-law but just hang in there, the evening will be over soon.
To turn on its head
to turn (something) on its head, 这个短语的意思就是完全改变什么事情。另外它也指完全错误的理解了一件事情。
The internet has turned the music industry on its head. Today many people would rather buy their favourite tracks straight from websites rather than a shop.
Picasso turned art on its head.
请注意
当我们看到 turn heads 这个短语时，意思就是指某人特别有意思或者很有魅力，以至于其他人的目光不由自主的被他们吸引。
Thelma was used to turning heads. She’s always taken care of her figure and walks around with the best clothes.
down-to-earth
I love the fact you’re so down-to-earth and have a logical, straightforward approach to problems.
Mary thought they were going to make millions with the new company, but Sarah was more down-to-earth and knew the profits wouldn’t be that high.
My ex-boyfriend was so unrealistic about things. I hope I’ll meet someone who is more down-to-earth.
请注意
如果某个人不是 down-to-earth, 不实在，那么我们可以形容他为 head in the clouds, 意思是和现实脱节或者无法集中注意力。
My son always has his head in the clouds. His teachers say he never concentrates in class!
You must have your head in the clouds if you think they’re going to promote you this year.
all dolled up
I have to rush home to get all dolled up for the party tonight!
Mary opted for a simple white suit for her wedding because she is too shy to walk down the aisle all dolled up.
请注意
A dolly bird 意思是打扮漂亮，但没有什么头脑的女子。
Madge is very ambitious in her career but people have been dismissing her as just a dolly bird.
Making a clean sweep
如果某人在 make a clean sweep 意思是他准备彻底的重新开始做事情。这个短语同时也可以指取得压倒性的胜利，尤其是体育比赛或竞选。
Laura is determined to make a clean sweep of her house this Christmas. She is going to replace all the kitchen appliances and upgrade her home entertainment system.
The Chinese team is hoping to make a clean sweep of the table tennis competition at this year’s Olympic games.
请注意
短语 sweep something under the carpet 把东西扫到地毯下是指试图隐藏或者忽视一个问题而不去处理它。
When it comes to the issue of the equality of pay, the management often try to sweep it under the carpet.
Treading water
当你在 treading water 时，这就是指你处于停滞阶段，没有发展。
I feel like I’m treading water at work. I feel like I’m never going to get a promotion.
I’m not enjoying this degree course any more. I’m just treading water.
请注意
另一个短语 tread on someone’s toes 的书面意思是踩到了别人的脚趾头，指干涉别人的事情，得罪别人。
Alan keeps treading on my toes and doing the rota when it’s supposed to be part of my job.
Put on the spot
如果说某人 puts you on the spot 那就是说他们提出的问题让你感到很为难，很尴尬。
I can’t believe he asked me how old I was in front of the whole office. He really put me on the spot.
She put me on the spot and asked me to say something in French.
请注意
另一个短语 have a soft spot for someone 意思是特别喜欢某人。
No wonder Jane got a promotion. The boss has always had a soft spot for her
Thick-skinned
如果形容某人 is thick-skinned, 就是说这个人后脸皮，不在意别人对自己的看法。
I made it pretty clear that he had outstayed his welcome but he is so thick-skinned he didn’t take the hint.
Just be a little gentle with her as she is very sensitive and not thick-skinned at all!
请注意
另一个英语beauty is only skin deep means 一个人的内心比外表更重要。
She may not be a beauty queen but you know what they say, beauty is only skin deep.
Bear with me
如果你对某人说 bear with me 你的意思是要对方耐心点儿或耐心等一等。
Please bear with me while I make this phone call. I’ll be with you shortly.
I went to the hospital and the queue was very long. They asked me to bear with them as there was an epidemic.
请注意
如果形容一个人是在 bearing up 那就表示这个人在困难面前显出勇气。
Emma was bearing up but everybody knew how much she misses her mother, who died last month.
To fly the flag
如果说某人 fly the flag 那么就表示摇旗呐喊，支持自己的国家（或团体）尤其是在国外。
I’ll be flying the flag for the company when I speak at that big conference in India next week.
Lang Lang flies the flag for China when he plays on the international stage.
请注意
注意另一个单词 flagging 表示体力或能量的衰减，没力气了。
By the 40th kilometre the marathon runner was really flagging. It looked like she wouldn’t complete the race.
To axe something
意思是终止或砍掉，经常用来形容经济和金融形势。
The government has axed funding for community centres.
If sales don’t improve we will be forced to axe jobs.
This footballer is really letting the team down. The manager should axe him in the summer.
请注意
另一个同 axe 相关的短语是 an axe to grind, 意思是抱怨什么事情。
Nigel really gets on my nerves – he’s always got an axe to grind about something.
Horsing around
如果说某人在 horsing around, 意思就是这个人在胡闹、闲逛，无所事事。
Stop horsing around and get on with your work!
You can’t trust Michael to do anything – he’s always horsing around.
请注意
To hold your horses 的意思的别着急，耐心点儿。
Hold your horses! We’re not ready to go yet.
