跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 66

Most Common American Idioms: Part 66

前言

本文是学习李笑来的Most Common American Idioms这本书的学习笔记，自用。

Github仓库链接：https://github.com/xiaolai/most-common-american-idioms

使用方法: 直接下载下来（或者clone到本地），使用浏览器打开Most_Common_American_Idioms.html文件即可，可以听到例句发音，学习效果很好，推荐给想学习美式俚语的同学。

1301. Wear your heart on your sleeve

sleeve： 美 [sliːv] ；（机器的）套筒；（书籍、文件的）封套

“感情外露” 或 “喜怒形于色”。

这个短语源自中世纪的骑士传统，即在参加宫廷比赛时，骑士会把心爱的女士的名字写在他衣袖上，表示他的爱意和忠诚。现如今，这个短语用来形容一个人不掩饰自己的感情，非常直率地表达自己的情感。

This phrase originates from the medieval tradition where knights would wear the colors or insignia of their chosen lady on their sleeves to show their love and loyalty during jousting tournaments. Today, it means someone who openly displays their emotions and does not try to hide their feelings.

• John always wears his heart on his sleeve, you can tell when he’s upset.约翰总是感情外露，你能看出来他什么时候不高兴。

• She wears her heart on her sleeve, so it’s easy to see when she’s in love.她喜怒形于色，所以很容易看出她什么时候陷入爱河。

• If you always wear your heart on your sleeve, you may be easily hurt.如果你总是感情外露，你可能会很容易受伤。

1302. Weasel out of something

weasel: [ˈwiːzəl] 逃避；回避（问题）

“逃避做某事” 或 “推卸责任”。

这个短语中的 “weasel” 源自鼬这种动物，通常被认为是狡猾和逃避责任的象征。这个表达方式常用来形容某人通过不诚实或狡猾的方式，摆脱履行某项义务或责任。

This phrase uses “weasel” to represent the animal, which is often seen as cunning and deceitful. It is commonly used to describe someone avoiding fulfilling an obligation or responsibility through dishonest or sly means.

• He always tries to weasel out of his chores at home.他总是试图逃避在家里的杂务。

• Don’t weasel out of your promises; you need to be reliable.不要逃避你的承诺，你需要靠谱一些。

• She tried to weasel out of paying her share of the bill.她试图逃避支付她的那部分账单。

1303. Weather the storm

“经受住风暴” 或 “渡过难关”。

这个短语源自于航海术语，船只在暴风雨中保持稳定并最终安全度过风暴的情况。在现代用法中，这个成语表示经受住艰难的时期或挑战，并最终渡过难关。

This phrase originates from nautical terminology where a ship endures and ultimately survives a storm. In modern usage, the idiom signifies enduring difficult periods or challenges and coming through them.

• They had to weather the storm of layoffs at their company.他们不得不经受住公司裁员的风暴。

• We’re trying to weather the storm of this financial crisis.我们正在努力渡过这场金融危机的难关。

• She has weathered many storms in her career and emerged stronger each time.她在事业上经历了许多风暴，每次都变得更强大。

1304. Well begun is half done

“好的开端是成功的一半”。

这个短语意思是，开始工作或项目非常重要，一个好的开始能为后续的工作奠定良好的基础，使其更容易完成。这个习语本源可以追溯到古希腊哲学家亚里士多德（Aristotle），他在他的《伦理学》中提到：“开始得好就等于成功了一半”。

This phrase means that starting a task or project well is very important, as a good beginning lays a solid foundation for the subsequent work, making it easier to complete. This idiom can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who in his “Nicomachean Ethics” mentions that “well begun is half done”.

• She always says that well begun is half done when starting a new project.她总是说好的开端是成功的一半，当开始一个新项目时。

• If we follow the plan carefully, we’ll prove that well begun is half done.如果我们仔细按照计划进行，我们会证明好的开端是成功的一半。

• Remember, well begun is half done, so take your time with initial preparations.记住，好的开端是成功的一半，所以认真进行初步准备。

1305. Well-heeled

“富有的” 或 “有钱的”。

这个短语源自 19 世纪，起初是用来形容那些穿着高级鞋子的人。因为高档鞋子往往代表财富和地位，所以 “well-heeled” 逐渐演变为形容有钱人的代名词。

The phrase originates from the 19th century when it was used to describe someone wearing high-quality shoes. High-quality shoes often indicated wealth and status, so “well-heeled” eventually evolved to become synonymous with being wealthy.

• The banquet was attended by many well-heeled guests.许多富有的宾客出席了宴会。

• Their new restaurant caters to the well-heeled crowd.他们的新餐馆服务于有钱的顾客。

• She comes from a well-heeled family.她来自一个富有的家庭。

1306. Went the extra mile

“付出额外的努力” 或 “全力以赴”。

这个短语源自《圣经》中的马太福音第五章第 41 节，原文指的是如果有人强迫你走一英里，你应该走两英里。这意味着不仅要完成要求的任务，还要超额完成，表现出更高的投入和奉献精神。

This phrase originates from the Bible, specifically Matthew 5:41, which says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” It means not only fulfilling what is required but going beyond that to show greater dedication and effort.

• She really went the extra mile to make sure the project was a success.她确实付出了额外的努力，确保项目成功。

• The customer service team went the extra mile to resolve my issue quickly.客户服务团队为了快速解决我的问题，付出了额外的努力。

• He always goes the extra mile to help his colleagues with their tasks.他总是全力以赴，帮助同事完成他们的任务。

1307. Wet behind the ears

“还很年轻”，或者 “还很不成熟，缺乏经验”。

这个短语源于新生的动物（尤其是小牛）在出生后耳朵后面还湿润的状态，用来形容人还很年轻，或者缺乏经验。随着时间的推移，这个表达被用来形容任何缺乏经验或刚刚进入某个领域的人。

This phrase originates from the state of newborn animals (especially calves) whose ears are still wet right after birth. It is used to describe someone who is young or inexperienced. Over time, this expression has been used to refer to anyone who is new or lacks experience in a particular area.

• He may seem confident, but he’s still wet behind the ears when it comes to finance.他看起来很自信，但在金融方面他还很不成熟。

• Don’t trust him with that task - he’s too wet behind the ears.别把那么重要的任务交给他做 —— 他还太不成熟了。

• She’s a smart engineer, but still a bit wet behind the ears in project management.她是个聪明的工程师，但在项目管理方面还不够成熟。

1308. Wet blanket

“扫兴的人” 或 “煞风景的人”。

这个短语的来历可以追溯到 19 世纪，原本是指用潮湿的毯子来扑灭火焰。潮湿的毯子自然会很沉，而且会带来不快的感觉，渐渐地，“wet blanket” 就演变成一个俚语，表示那些总是泼冷水、扫别人的兴、让气氛变得沉闷的人。

The origin of this phrase dates back to the 19th century, where a wet blanket was literally used to extinguish fires. Since a wet blanket is heavy and unpleasant, it eventually became slang for someone who dampens the mood, spoils others’ fun, and makes the atmosphere dull.

• Don’t be a wet blanket; join us for the party!别扫兴了，来参加我们的派对吧！

• She can be such a wet blanket when we’re trying to have fun.我们正想玩得开心时，她总是泼冷水。

• I don’t want to invite him because he is always a wet blanket.我不想邀请他，因为他总是扫兴。

1309. Wet my whistle

whistle: 美 [ˈwɪsl] 口哨；哨子

“润润喉” 或 “喝点酒”。 这个短语常常用来表示通过喝点东西（特别是酒精饮料）来解渴或享受。

这个短语的起源可能可以追溯到中世纪。传说中，英国的酒馆里，罐子上的把手设计成一个小哨子，人们喝完之后可以用哨子吹响示意需要续杯。据此，“wet my whistle” 便成为了 “喝一杯” 的俚语。

This idiom’s origins might go back to the medieval period. It’s said that in British taverns, handles of the mugs were fashioned like small whistles. After drinking, patrons could blow the whistle to indicate they needed a refill. From this, “wet my whistle” became slang for having a drink.

• After a long day, he wanted to stop at the bar and wet his whistle.忙碌了一天后，他想去酒吧润润喉。

• James asked if we wanted to wet our whistles after the meeting.会议结束后，詹姆斯问我们是否想喝一杯。

• Let’s head over to the pub and wet our whistles.我们去酒馆喝一杯吧。

1310. What are you up to?

“你在做什么？” 或 “你最近在忙什么？”

这个短语 “What are you up to?” 通常用来询问对方目前的活动或计划。它是一种很随和、非正式的问候方式，通常用于朋友、家人或熟人的交谈中，以了解他们的近况或当前正在做的事情。

This phrase “What are you up to?” is commonly used to inquire about what someone is currently doing or planning to do. It is a casual, informal way of greeting often used in conversations among friends, family, or acquaintances to find out about their current activities or well-being.

• Hey John, what are you up to this weekend?嘿，John，你这个周末打算做什么？

• Hi, what are you up to right now?嗨，你现在在忙什么？

• Long time no see! What are you up to these days?好久不见，你最近在忙什么？

1311. When it rains, it pours

“祸不单行” 或 “一旦下雨就会倾盆”。

这个短语来源于一种观察，即在某些情况下，事情并非只是单一发生，而往往是连锁反应式的接踵而至，尤其是负面的事件。这种表达经常用于描述在倒霉的事情发生时，似乎所有的麻烦都会一起出现，像是天降大雨倾盆而下。

This phrase originates from the observation that when certain events occur, they often come in clusters rather than singly, especially negative events. The expression is frequently used to describe situations where, when one bad thing happens, it seems like all the bad things happen at once, pouring down like heavy rain.

• I’ve had a rough week; my car broke down and then I lost my wallet — when it rains, it pours.我这周过得很糟糕；车坏了，然后钱包也丢了 —— 真是祸不单行。

• First, I got a flat tire, and then my favorite coffee shop closed — when it rains, it pours.首先，我的轮胎瘪了，然后我最喜欢的咖啡店也关门了 —— 一旦下雨就会倾盆。

• She’s been late three times this week and now her computer crashed — when it rains, it pours.这个星期她已经迟到了三次，现在电脑也崩溃了 —— 祸不单行。

1312. When pigs fly

“除非太阳打西边出来” 或 “根本不可能发生的事”。

这个短语起源于一种荒谬的形象，即猪飞上天，这在现实生活中是不可能的事。因此，这个短语用来形容那些不大可能或永远不会发生的事情。它常用于表达对某个事件发生可能性的极度怀疑。

This phrase originates from the absurd image of pigs flying, which is an impossibility in real life. Therefore, this phrase is used to describe things that are highly unlikely or will never happen. It is often used to express extreme skepticism about the likelihood of an event occurring.

• He said he’d tidy his room, but that will happen when pigs fly.他说他会整理他的房间，但那根本是不可能的事。

• She’ll forgive him when pigs fly.她会原谅他，除非太阳打西边出来。

• Expect him to arrive on time? Yeah, right, when pigs fly.指望他准时到达？对啊，除非太阳打西边出来。

1313. When push comes to shove

shove： 美 [ʃʌv] 推；挤；猛推；乱塞

“当情况紧急（关键时刻）” 或 “不得不面对现实的时候”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到争斗或比赛中的情景，推推搡搡最终变成真正的打斗。当情形恶化到必须采取行动时，推搡（push）升级为逼迫（shove），因此它表示在必须采取行动或做出决定的关键时刻。

This phrase originates from situations of struggle or competition, where pushing escalates to shoving, representing the moment when a situation has deteriorated to the point where decisive action must be taken. When push comes to shove, it signifies the critical moment where one must confront reality and respond accordingly.

• When push comes to shove, we can always count on Susan to take charge.当情况紧急时，我们总是可以依靠苏珊来掌控局面。

• We may disagree, but when push comes to shove, we’ll work together.我们可能有分歧，但在关键时刻，我们会合作。

• When push comes to shove, they’ll prioritize their family over work.在关键时刻，他们会优先考虑家庭而不是工作。

1314. When the chips are down

“在关键时刻” 或 “在危急时刻”。

这个成语起源于赌博，尤其是扑克游戏。当赌注已经下完的时候（“chips” 指代赌注），局势变得更加严峻和关键。“When the chips are down” 用来形容人在重大压力或者危急情况下所采取的行为和决定。

This idiom originated from the context of gambling, particularly poker. When the chips (bets) are all on the table, the situation becomes more serious and critical. “When the chips are down” is used to describe how people behave or make decisions under significant pressure or in critical situations.

• You can always count on him *when the chips are down.*在关键时刻，你总是能指望他。

• When the chips are down, true friends will be there for you.危急时刻，真正的朋友会陪在你身边。

• When the chips are down, she always finds a way to succeed.在关键时刻，她总能找到成功的道路。

1315. Where the rubber meets the road

rubber：美 [ˈrʌbər] 橡胶

“实践出真知” 或 “关键时刻检验效果”。

这个短语的来源可以追溯到汽车轮胎与路面的接触点，这是汽车运作的关键部分，只有轮胎真正与路面接触时，汽车才能行驶。因此，这个表达被用来指事情发生或付诸行动的关键时刻或地方，象征着理论被转化为实践的场景。

This phrase originates from the point where a car’s tires touch the road, which is critical for the car’s operation. Only when the tires meet the road can the car move. Thus, this idiom came to represent the moment or place where things happen or are put into action, symbolizing the transition of theory into practice.

• We can plan all we want, but this idea really shows its value where the rubber meets the road.我们可以尽情规划，但这想法真正的价值要在实践中才能展现。

• You’ll know how good a student you are where the rubber meets the road — during the final exams.期末考试时是检验你作为学生好坏的关键时刻。

• The company’s new policy will be tested where the rubber meets the road — in the actual work environment.公司的新政策将在实际工作环境中接受检验。

1316. Where were we?

“我们刚刚说到哪里了？” 或 “我们之前讲到哪了？”

这个短语通常用于对话或会议中，用来帮助参与者回忆或重新找到先前讨论的主题或议题。在交流过程中，如果有打断或中断，这个短语是一个很好的方式来重拾话题。

This idiom is typically used in conversations or meetings to help participants recall or find the previously discussed topic or point. When there’s an interruption or pause in the discussion, this phrase is a good way to resume the topic.

• Sorry for the interruption. *Where were we?*抱歉打断了，我们刚刚说到哪里了？

• Let’s get back to the main point. *Where were we?*让我们回到主题，我们刚刚说到哪里了？

• We got sidetracked. *Where were we?*我们跑题了，我们刚刚说到哪里了？

1317. White elephant

“无用但昂贵的东西” 或 “华而不实的礼物”。

这个短语来源于东南亚，尤其是泰国和缅甸。在这些地区，白象被认为是神圣的动物。历史上，一些君主会赠送白象作为礼物，虽然这些动物非常稀有和珍贵，但它们的维护费用极高，而且无法用于劳动，因此，收礼者常常很难负担这样的昂贵礼物。因此，“white elephant” 转而用以形容那些看似珍贵但无用且昂贵的事物。

This phrase originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Myanmar, where white elephants were considered sacred animals. Historically, some monarchs would gift a white elephant, an extremely rare and precious animal, but its upkeep was very expensive and it couldn’t be used for labor. Consequently, the recipient often found it burdensome. Hence, “white elephant” came to describe something seemingly valuable but impractical and costly.

• That huge, expensive vase is a white elephant. It just takes up space and collects dust.那个巨大的昂贵花瓶简直就是一个无用的东西，只是占地方和积灰。

• The new stadium turned out to be a white elephant; nobody uses it, and the maintenance costs are skyrocketing.新建的体育场成了一个无用的东西；没人使用，维护费用也在飞涨。

• She realized the vintage car she bought was a white elephant; it was always in the shop for repairs.她意识到她买的古董车是一个无用的东西；它总是在修理厂。

1318. White lie

“善意的谎言” 或 “无伤大雅的谎言”。

这个短语最早出现在 19 世纪，其定义为一种无恶意、为了好意或避免伤害他人感情而说的谎言。与恶意的谎言相对，白色谎言被认为是善意的，并非为了欺骗或谋取个人利益。

This phrase appeared in the 19th century and is defined as a harmless or trivial lie told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings or for the sake of kindness. Unlike malicious lies, white lies are considered benign and are not intended for deception or personal gain.

• She told a white lie to spare his feelings.她说了一个善意的谎言来避免伤害他的感情。

• It’s just a white lie; you don’t need to worry about it.这只是一个无伤大雅的谎言，你不用担心。

• Sometimes a white lie can prevent unnecessary drama.有时候，善意的谎言可以避免不必要的麻烦。

1319. Whitewash

“掩饰” 或 “粉饰太平”。

“Whitewash” 最早来自于一种用白色涂料粉刷墙壁的实际操作，意图是覆盖原有的污渍或腐蚀。这个词后来被引申为掩盖事实、掩饰错误或丑闻的行为。

The term “whitewash” originates from the literal practice of using white paint or lime to cover walls, aiming to cover up stains or damage. This term evolved to mean the action of concealing facts, mistakes, or scandals.

• The company tried to whitewash the environmental disaster it caused.公司试图掩饰他们造成的环境灾难。

• Politicians often whitewash their mistakes to maintain their public image.政客们经常粉饰他们的错误，以维护公众形象。

• The report was just an attempt to whitewash the truth.那份报告只是试图掩盖真相的一种手段。

1320. Who asked you?

“谁问你了？” 或 “轮得着你吗？”

这个短语通常用来表达一种不耐烦或不悦的情绪，意指对方不受欢迎的评论或意见。在交流中，当一个人插嘴或者发表不被期望的意见时，另一个人可能会用这句话来打断或表达不认同。这种说法带有一定的攻击性，因此需要谨慎使用。

This phrase is often used to express impatience or displeasure, implying that the other person’s comment or opinion is unwelcome. In conversation, when someone interrupts or gives an unsolicited opinion, the person receiving it may use this phrase to interrupt or show disagreement. It carries a certain level of aggressiveness, thus should be used with caution.

• “I think you should try a different approach.” “Who asked you?”“我觉得你应该尝试不同的方法。”“谁问你了？”

• “Honestly, that shirt doesn’t suit you.” “Who asked you?”“老实说，那件衬衫不适合你。”“谁问你了？”

• “I really don’t think this is a good idea.” “Who asked you?”“我真的觉得这不是个好主意。”“谁问你了？”

后记

2024年12月11日22点00分于上海。