由"形容词或分词+名词"组成的名词惯用语
谈过了《名词惯用语》,这里要继续谈这种惯用语,不过这里谈的不是由名词直接构成,而是由"
形容词或分词+名词"组成的。这种形式的
惯用语数目相当多,可以尽量吸收,使词汇多采多姿。
① The acid test:严峻的考验
The car company praises its latest model. However, the acid test will come when its new cars enter the market.
② An
armchair critic/expert:空谈的评论员/专家
Some people like to tell others how to do this and how to do that, but they can't set a good example. Such a person is tantamount to an
armchair expert.
③ A back-seat driver:不在其位而爱插手管事的人
"No back-seat driver, please,"Jim said to Tom."I know how to do my work."
④ One's besetting sin:容易重犯的恶习
Harry is quite a likeable person, but his besetting sin is haughtiness.
⑤ A blind alley:死胡同
More and more people think that
manual work is a blind alley, as such work will be computerised soon.
⑥ A/ One's blind spot:盲点
Computers seem to be a blind spot with many old people./ If you can't see a car from your car mirror, that car is in your blind spot.
⑦ A burning question:重要的问题
Of course, we can invite the boss, but the burning question is: will he agree to come?/ Mass
unemployment is a burning question of some Asian countries now.
⑧ A carbon copy of someone or something:极相像的人或事
Yesterday's bank break-in was a carbon copy of last month's pawnshop
robbery.
⑨ A clean bill of health:身体健康/物件良好的证明书
Michael started work as soon as the doctor gave him a clean bill of health./ After
thoroughinspection, the
inspector gave the factory a clean bill of health.
⑩ A clean slate/sheet:清白的记录
David was given a long-service award for having a clean slate in his 20 years of employment.
(11) A closed book:完全不能理解的科目或事物
I am afraid nuclear physics is a closed book to me.
(12) Cold comfort:不起作用的安慰
When a worker was laid off, it was cold comfort telling him that he might get a better job soon.
(13) The common touch:能令一般人感动的本领
As Jason is a man having the common touch, he is often made to speak to the workers on
behalf of the management.
(14) Creature comforts:物质方面的享受
While on holiday, one is expected to have creature comforts and even some
luxurious things.
(15) A whole new ball game:完全不同的情况
Jason used to be a university
lecturer with
flexible teaching hours, so a nine-to-five office work now is a whole new ball game to him.
(16) A close call/ shave:避过惊险事
The motor cyclist came speeding and almost hit a
pedestrian. That was a close call indeed !
(17) The bright lights:(常指大都市里的)即有趣又紧张的活动
When they first went to big cities, they longed for the bright lights not found in small towns.
(18) A double bind:(常和"in" 或"put... in"连用)两面不讨好的处境
The appointment of the director with special duties put the
deputy director in a double bind: to listen to the "actual director" or the "special director"?
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