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跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 63

news 文章来源：https://blog.csdn.net/shizheng_Li/article/details/144409371 2025/1/14 2:32:26

Most Common American Idioms: Part 63

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。

1241. To stand up for

“为……挺身而出” 或 “支持”。

这个短语用来描述在面对挑战或压力时，为某人、某事或某种观点辩护或支持的行为。它的起源可以追溯到古时的人们在面对危险或不公正时会站起来为自己或他人发声。

This phrase is used to describe the act of defending or supporting someone or something in the face of challenges or pressure. Its origin can be traced back to the times when people would physically stand up to speak out against dangers or injustices.

He always stands up for his friends when they are in trouble.当他的朋友遇到麻烦时，他总是挺身而出支持他们。
She decided to stand up for what she believes in, even if it means losing her job.她决定为她的信仰挺身而出，即使这意味着会失去她的工作。
It’s important to stand up for your rights.维护自己的权利很重要。

1242. To start over from scratch

“从头开始” 或 “从零开始”。

这个短语的来历可以追溯到食品制作的领域，特别是烘焙。在过去，所有的食材都得从头准备，没有预混合的粉或现成的配料。这种使用从零开始准备所有食材的过程，后来演变为表示将某事物或计划完全重新开始的表达。

This phrase originates from the field of cooking, particularly baking, where all ingredients had to be prepared from scratch, with no pre-mixed flour or ready-made components. This process of preparing everything from the beginning eventually evolved into an expression that means to restart something completely anew.

After losing all the data, we had to start over from scratch with the project.在丢失所有数据后，我们不得不从头开始这个项目。
He decided to start over from scratch after his business failed.他的生意失败后，他决定从零开始。
Learning a new language means starting over from scratch in many ways.学习一种新语言意味着在许多方面从零开始。

1243. To stonewall

stonewall：阻挠；妨碍；拖延；

“阻挠” 或 “故意拖延”。

这个短语起源于 “墙” 的概念，意指像一堵坚固的墙一样阻挡或拖延进展。最初是在美国南北战争时，邦联将军托马斯·“石墙”·杰克逊因在战斗中坚决防守而得名”Stonewall Jackson”，之后演变为指故意拖延或阻挠某事进展，特别是在讨论或谈判中。

The phrase originates from the concept of a “wall,” meaning to block or delay progress as firmly as a wall would. It first became popular during the American Civil War when Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson earned his nickname for his firm defensive stance in battle. Over time, it evolved to describe the act of deliberately delaying or obstructing progress, especially in discussions or negotiations.

The committee was accused of stonewalling the investigation.委员会被指控在调查中故意拖延。
Whenever we ask for details, they just stonewall us.每当我们要求细节时，他们总是故意拖延。
She tried to stonewall the press conference by not answering questions directly.她试图通过不直接回答问题来拖延新闻发布会。

1244. To take a load off someone’s back

“为某人减轻负担” 或 “替某人分担压力”。

这个短语可能源自于人们体力劳动中的情景，尤其是在搬运重物时，如果有人能帮忙担下一部分重量，那就能显着减轻搬运者的负担。在现代语境中，这个短语常用来表示从精神或责任上减轻某人所承受的压力或负担。

This phrase likely originates from physical labor situations, especially when carrying heavy loads; if someone helps take part of the weight, it significantly reduces the burden for the carrier. In modern contexts, it is often used to indicate the relief of mental or responsibility burdens for someone.

Her kind words really took a load off his back during the stressful time.她的暖心话语在他压力大的时候真的为他减轻了不少负担。
Helping her with the project took a load off her back.帮她完成这个项目为她减轻了不少压力。
By finishing some of his tasks, she took a load off his back.通过完成他的一些任务，她替他分担了不少压力。

1245. To take it easy

“放松一下” 或 “不那么辛苦”。

这个短语起源于英语中的 “easy” 一词，其意为 “轻松的，容易的”。当人们告诉别人 “to take it easy” 时，他们是建议放松心情，减轻压力或者放缓当前的节奏。这可以用在大多数日常情境中，不论是工作、学习还是生活中。

This phrase originates from the English word “easy,” which means “relaxed or without difficulty.” When people tell someone “to take it easy,” they are advising them to relax, reduce stress, or slow down their current pace. This can be used in most daily situations, whether at work, in school, or in life.

He just had surgery, so the doctor told him to take it easy for a few weeks.他刚做完手术，所以医生建议他放松一段时间。
After the busy season, we can finally take it easy and relax.繁忙的季节过后，我们终于可以放松了。
Don’t stress out about the test; just take it easy and do your best.不要为考试紧张，放轻松，尽力而为。

1246. To take something for granted

“认为…理所当然” 或 “不珍惜、忽视”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到早期英语中的 “for granted”，表示某件事情被认为是理所当然的，毋庸置疑的，因此常被忽视或不被珍惜。在现代社会中，这个短语通常用于描述那些未被适当重视或未被感激的事物或人。

This phrase can be traced back to early English usage of “for granted,” implying that something is assumed to be certain or unquestionable and hence often overlooked or not appreciated. In contemporary society, the phrase is typically used to describe things or people that are not adequately valued or appreciated.

She feels her efforts at work are taken for granted.她感觉自己的工作努力被认为是理所当然的。
Don’t take your family’s support for granted.不要认为家庭的支持是理所当然的。
Many people take clean water for granted until it’s gone.很多人认为清洁的水是理所当然的，直到它消失。

1247. To the hilt

hilt：美 [hɪlt] 刀（或剑等的）柄；把手；武器的握把；

“全力以赴” 或 “彻底地”。

这个短语来源于剑的结构，所谓”剑柄”（hilt）是剑的手柄，而”to the hilt”意指将剑完全刺入，直至剑柄无法再进。后来这个短语被引申来表示 “全力以赴” 或 “彻底地” 完成某事，不留余地。

This phrase originates from the structure of a sword, where the “hilt” is the handle of the sword. “To the hilt” means to thrust the sword in completely until only the hilt is left visible. The metaphor was extended to mean doing something fully or completely, without holding back.

He backed his friend’s idea to the hilt.他全力支持朋友的想法。
She is committed to the hilt to achieving her goals.她全力以赴地致力于实现自己的目标。
They fought to the hilt to protect their rights.他们全力以赴地争取自己的权利。

1248. Tongue-in-cheek

“俏皮话” 或 “无伤大雅的玩笑”。

这个短语源自一种面部表情 —— 人们通常会把舌头顶在脸颊内侧以表示他们在开玩笑或讽刺。该短语起源于 19 世纪，最早指一些嘲讽性的幽默表达。在现代英语中，“tongue-in-cheek” 用来形容那些带有幽默意味的、不太认真的言论或行为。

This phrase originates from a facial expression where one puts their tongue in their cheek to indicate they are joking or being sarcastic. It dates back to the 19th century, initially referring to sarcastic comments. In modern English, “tongue-in-cheek” is used to describe humorous remarks or actions that are not meant to be taken seriously.

His comments about the new policy were clearly tongue-in-cheek.他对新政策的评论显然是俏皮话。
The movie has a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor that only adults will understand.这部电影包含很多只有成年人能理解的俏皮幽默。
She made a tongue-in-cheek remark about his cooking skills.她对他的烹饪技艺开了个俏皮的玩笑。

1249. Too big for one’s boots

“自负” 或 “目中无人”。

这个短语起源于英国，原意是指鞋子（靴子）对于鞋主来说过于宽大，延伸含义则是指一个人对自己的能力或重要性有过高的评价，变得自大或目中无人。在现代用法中，它常用于形容某人因为自负而变得难以相处。

This phrase originates from Britain and originally referred to boots being too large for their wearer. The expanded meaning is that someone has an overly high opinion of their abilities or importance, becoming arrogant or conceited. In modern usage, it’s often used to describe someone who has become difficult to deal with due to their arrogance.

Ever since his promotion, John has become too big for his boots.自从升职以来，约翰就变得有些自负了。
Don’t get too big for your boots just because you won one game.不要因为赢了一场比赛就变得自负。
She became too big for her boots after receiving all those compliments.受到那么多的称赞后，她变得有些目中无人。

1250. Too many irons in the fire

“同时做太多事情” 或 “摊子铺得太大”。

这个短语源自于铁匠工作时，需要同时放入并操作多个熔铁棒来完成不同的任务。如果铁匠在火中放入太多的铁棒，他们可能无法有效地管理每一个，导致一些工作无法完成或质量不佳。现代使用这个短语时，是为了形容一个人同时有太多的任务或计划，以至于无法专注和有效处理每一个事情。

This phrase comes from the work of blacksmiths, who might put multiple iron tools in the fire at once to heat them and then shape them. If there are too many irons in the fire, the blacksmith may not be able to manage them all effectively, risking incomplete or poor-quality work. In modern use, it describes a situation where someone has too many tasks or plans to manage effectively.

She has too many irons in the fire and can’t focus on any single project.她同时在做太多事情，无法专注于任何一个项目。
John realized he had too many irons in the fire when he started missing deadlines.约翰意识到自己承担的事情太多了，因为他开始错过最后期限。
It’s important not to have too many irons in the fire or you’ll get overwhelmed.不要让自己摊子铺得太大，否则你会觉得应接不暇。

1251. Top dog

“领头地位” 或 “领导者”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪，最初是指在比赛或竞争中胜出或占上风的那个人或动物。因此，“top dog” 被用来描述在某特定领域里拥有最高权力或地位的人。

This phrase originated in the 19th century, initially referring to the person or animal that came out on top in a competition or fight. Hence, “top dog” is used to describe someone who holds the highest authority or status in a particular field.

In the tech industry, she is considered the top dog.在科技行业，她被认为是领头人物。
After years of hard work, he finally became the top dog of the company.经过多年的努力，他终于成为公司的领导者。
Everyone in the group looks up to him as the top dog.小组中的每个人都把他当作领头人。

1252. Top-notch

“顶尖的” 或 “一流的”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪，最初用于指代老式手摇钟上的闹钟调节杆。调节杆的力度是分级的，最高一等级的调节被称为 “top-notch”，意指最高质量。由此引申，“top-notch” 用来形容某物的质量等各方面都堪称一流，处于顶尖水平。

This phrase originates from the 19th century, initially referring to the adjustment levers on old-fashioned hand-cranked clocks. The levers had levels of adjustment, with the highest setting being called “top-notch,” indicating the highest quality. Thus, “top-notch” has come to describe something of the best quality, top-tier in all aspects.

The restaurant is known for its top-notch service.这家餐馆以顶尖的服务闻名。
She gave a top-notch presentation at the meeting.她在会议上做了一个一流的演讲。
Their new product is absolutely top-notch in the market.他们的新产品在市场上绝对是顶尖的。

1253. Touch and go

“危险的” 或 “情况不确定的”。

这个短语源自于飞行术语，其中 “touch and go” 描述的是飞机在跑道上短暂停留然后立即起飞的动作。这种情况经常用来形容比较危险或者结果非常不确定的事情。

This phrase originates from aviation terminology, where “touch and go” describes a maneuver where an aircraft briefly touches down on the runway and immediately takes off again. It is often used to describe situations that are perilous or highly uncertain.

It was touch and go for a while after the surgery.在手术之后，有段时间情况非常不稳定。
The rescue mission was touch and go due to the severe weather conditions.由于恶劣的天气条件，救援任务非常危险。
It’s touch and go whether the company will survive the financial crisis.公司是否能渡过财务危机还是个未知数。

1254. Touch base

“联系” 或 “联络”。

这个短语源自于棒球，原指队员要触碰垒包确保安全。在现代英语中， “touch base” 已扩展用来表示与某人简短联系或沟通，以确认某事或更新信息。

This idiom originates from baseball, where players are required to touch the base to be safe. In modern English, “touch base” has been extended to mean briefly contacting someone to check in or update them on something.

Let’s touch base next week to finalize the details.咱们下周联系一下，确认细节。
I wanted to touch base with you about the project progress.我想跟你联络一下，了解项目的进展。
Before the meeting, I’ll touch base with her to ensure everything is on track.在会议之前，我会跟她联系一下，确保一切进展顺利。

1255. Track record

“记录” 或 “业绩”。

“Track record” 起源于赛马或田径比赛中的 “赛道记录”。它用来描述某个人、公司或组织在某领域内的表现历史和成就。通常用来表示一个人的过往表现和成就的综合记录，这样一来可以帮助其他人评估他的信任度和能力。

The term “track record” originates from horse racing or track and field competitions where it referred to the recorded times on a track. It is used to describe the historical performance and achievements of a person, company, or organization in a specific field. This helps others evaluate someone’s credibility and capabilities based on their past achievements.

She has an impressive track record in sales.她在销售方面有着令人印象深刻的业绩。
The company needs a CEO with a strong track record of leadership.这家公司需要一位有着优秀领导业绩的 CEO。
Before hiring, we should check his track record in previous jobs.在雇用之前，我们应该查看他以前工作的记录。

1256. Train of thought

“思路” 或 “思维的轨迹”。

这个短语是由 “train” 和 “thought” 组合而来，字面意思是 “思维列车”。它形象地比喻了思维像列车一样沿着轨迹前进，不断推进。在日常对话中，当人们想表达某人思维的连续性或逻辑思维流程时，会使用这个表达。

This phrase is a combination of “train” and “thought”, literally meaning a “thought train”. It metaphorically suggests that thoughts move along a track like a train, advancing continuously. In daily conversations, people use this idiom to refer to someone’s sequence of thoughts or logical thinking process.

I lost my train of thought during the presentation.在演讲过程中，我的思路中断了。
Let me finish my train of thought before you ask a question.在你提问之前，让我先把我的思路讲完。
His train of thought was difficult to follow.他的思路很难跟上。

1257. Train wreck

“车祸现场” 或 “灾难性的局面”。

这个短语字面指火车相撞所引发的严重事故。在口语中，常用来形容某事物或某人处于极度混乱或失败的状态，带有非常负面的评价。

This idiom literally refers to a train collision causing severe accident. In colloquial usage, it is often used to describe something or someone in a state of extreme chaos or failure, carrying a very negative connotation.

The meeting was a complete train wreck; nothing got resolved.会议简直是个车祸现场，一点问题都没解决。
His life turned into a train wreck after he lost his job.他失去工作后，生活变得一团糟。
Trying to cook without a recipe was like watching a train wreck.不按食谱做饭就像看一场车祸现场一样。

1258. Travel light

“轻装旅行” 或 “尽量减少行李”。

这个短语起源于旅行时尽量减少随身行李，以便更轻松、便捷地移动。它特别适用于那些喜欢纯粹旅行体验，而不希望被繁重行李所累的人。

This phrase originates from the idea of minimizing baggage while traveling to make the journey easier and more convenient. It is particularly applicable to those who enjoy a pure travel experience without being burdened by heavy luggage.

When we go camping, we always try to travel light.我们去露营时，总是尽量轻装上阵。
You should travel light if you’re going to be moving around a lot.如果你要频繁移动，最好轻装旅行。
It’s easier to catch flights when you travel light.轻装旅行更容易赶上航班。

1259. Treat someone to something

“请某人某物” 或 “款待某人”。

这个短语源自英语中的 “treat”，意思是给予某人特别的享受，通常是通过支付某人的消费来表示的。在不同场合，这个短语可以表示不同的形式，例如请客吃饭、赠送礼物或是提供某种体验。

This idiom originates from the word “treat,” which means to give someone special enjoyment, usually by paying for them. It can be used in various contexts, such as treating someone to a meal, giving a gift, or providing an experience.

I’ll treat you to dinner tonight.今晚我请你吃晚饭。
She treated her friends to a movie.她请她的朋友们看电影。
They treated us to a wonderful vacation at the seaside.他们请我们去海边度过了一个美好的假期。

1260. Treat/handle someone with kid gloves

“温柔地对待某人” 或 “小心翼翼地处理某人的问题”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到 17 世纪，当时 “kid gloves” 是用小山羊皮制成的手套。这种手套质地非常柔软，不容易损坏。因此，这个短语后来被用来表示对待某人时非常小心和温柔，如同使用小山羊皮手套那样。

This phrase can be traced back to the 17th century when “kid gloves” were made from the soft and delicate leather of young goats. Because these gloves were so soft and not likely to damage anything they touched, the phrase came to mean treating someone very carefully and gently, as if handling something fragile.

He has been very stressed lately, so please handle him with kid gloves.他最近压力很大，所以请温柔地对待他。
The manager decided to treat the new intern with kid gloves to make sure she felt comfortable.经理决定对新实习生小心翼翼地处理，以确保她感到舒服。
When discussing sensitive topics, it’s best to handle the subject with kid gloves.讨论敏感话题时，最好小心翼翼地处理。

后记

2024年12月11日20点23分于上海。