跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 32

Most Common American Idioms: Part 32

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。

621. Horse around

“瞎胡闹” 或 “玩闹”。

这个短语源于马匹常常爱嬉戏和奔跑的天性，人们用这一形象化的表达来形容人的打闹和无所事事的状态。通常用来描述那些不严肃的、搞笑的、或者无目的的行为。

This phrase originates from the playful and sometimes reckless nature of horses. It’s used as a figurative expression to describe people engaging in silly, unserious, or aimless behavior.

• The kids were horsing around in the living room and broke a vase.孩子们在客厅里瞎胡闹，结果打碎了一个花瓶。

• Stop horsing around, we need to get this project done!别瞎闹了，我们需要完成这个项目！

• They spent the whole afternoon horsing around by the lake.他们整个下午都在湖边瞎闹。

622. Horse of a different color

“完全不同的事物” 或 “另一种情况”。

这个成语起源于戏剧作家威廉·莎士比亚（William Shakespeare）的《第十二夜》（Twelfth Night）。剧中人物用 “变色马” 来比喻与先前谈论的不同事物。这一表达逐渐演变为形容某件完全不同的事情或情况。

This idiom originates from playwright William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Characters in the play used “a horse of that color” to refer to a different matter than what was previously discussed. Over time, this expression evolved to describe something entirely different or another situation.

• I thought the meeting was about budget cuts, but it turned out to be a horse of a different color.我以为会议是关于削减预算的，但结果却是完全不同的事。

• We were talking about job benefits, but his complaint is a horse of a different color.我们在谈论工作福利，但他的抱怨是完全不同的事情。

• Solving this new issue is a horse of a different color compared to the usual problems we face.解决这个新问题与我们通常面临的问题完全不同。

623. Hot under the collar

“热锅上的蚂蚁” 或 “感到愤怒或非常恼火”。

这个短语源自于想象一个人在高温环境下，脖子区域出汗并且感觉不适的情景。它生动地形容了一个人对某事感到非常愤怒或者焦躁的心情，就像在高温下无法冷静一样。“Hot under the collar” 通常用来描述由于某个特定情况或言语导致的情绪热度，尤其是愤怒。

This phrase originates from the imagery of a person in a hot environment where the neck area becomes sweaty and uncomfortable. It vividly describes someone feeling very angry or agitated about something, much like being unable to stay calm in high heat. “Hot under the collar” is often used to describe emotions running high due to a specific situation or words, especially anger.

• He got hot under the collar when his colleague blamed him for the mistake.当同事责怪他错误时，他感到非常恼火。

• Don’t get hot under the collar — we can fix the problem together.别这么生气，我们可以一起解决这个问题。

• She was hot under the collar when she realized someone had taken her parking spot.当她发现有人占了她的停车位时，她非常愤怒。

624. Hot-button issue

“敏感问题” 或 “热议话题”。

这个短语源自于早期机械设备上的 “热键”，即按下该键可快速激活某项功能。而在美国英语中，“hot-button” 后来也用来隐喻那些一触即发、引起广泛关注和争论的社会或政治话题。这样的议题通常能引起人们强烈的情感反应并激发广泛讨论。

This phrase originates from early mechanical equipment where “hot buttons” were keys that could quickly activate certain functions. In American English, “hot-button” later became a metaphor for issues that are highly controversial and likely to trigger strong emotional responses and widespread discussions, particularly in social or political contexts.

• Abortion has always been a hot-button issue in the United States.堕胎问题一直是美国的敏感问题。

• Climate change is becoming a new hot-button issue globally.气候变化正成为一个全球性的热议话题。

• Gun control is a hot-button issue that divides many Americans.枪支管制是一个使许多美国人产生分歧的敏感问题。

625. Hotshot

“能人” 或 “自命不凡的人”。

这个短语起源于 20 世纪初，起初多用于形容技艺高超、有能力的人。后来，也用来描述那些自认为自己很了不起的人，带有一些贬义的成分。在不同的上下文中，可以是褒义，也可以是贬义。

This phrase originated in the early 20th century and was initially used to describe someone who is highly skilled or capable. Over time, it also came to describe someone who is overly confident or conceited, sometimes carrying a slightly negative connotation. Depending on the context, it can be either positive or negative.

• The new CEO is a real hotshot in the tech industry.新任 CEO 是科技行业的一位真正能人。

• Watch out for that hotshot driver, he thinks he owns the road.当心那个自命不凡的司机，他以为马路是他家的。

• She’s a hotshot lawyer known for winning difficult cases.她是一位以赢得艰难案件而闻名的能人律师。

626. How do you like them apples

“你怎么看这个？” 或 “你对此有何感想？” 带有挑衅和炫耀意味。

这个短语最初出现在第一次世界大战期间，源于英国士兵用来描述他们的 Mills bomb 榴弹：“Toffee Apple”，短语里的 “苹果” 就是指这些炸弹。随着时间推移，该短语逐渐演化为一种引起注意并且带有挑衅意味的问话方式，通常用于表达自豪、胜利或是挑战对方。

Initially appearing during World War I, this phrase originated from British soldiers referring to their Mills bomb grenades as “Toffee Apple.” Over time, it evolved into a phrase used to draw attention with a provocative tone, often expressing pride, victory, or challenge to the listener.

• I got a promotion at work! How do you like them apples?我在工作上升职了！你怎么看这个？

• We won the championship! How do you like them apples?我们赢得了冠军！你对此有何感想？

• I solved that difficult problem. How do you like them apples?我解决了那个难题。你怎么看这个？

627. Hunky-dory

“一切顺利” 或 “非常好”。

这个习语的起源并不完全明确，但有一种说法是它源于 19 世纪的美国。它被认为是由一种叫做 “hunk” 的俚语演变而来的，意思是 “安全” 或 “安全的地方”。这个俚语后来与 “dory” 结合，意为 “一切正常” 或 “情况良好”。在现代英语中，“hunky-dory” 通常用于描述某件事没有问题，非常顺利。

The origin of this idiom is not completely clear, but one theory suggests it comes from 19th-century America. It is believed to have evolved from the slang term “hunk,” meaning “safe” or “a safe place.” This slang later combined with “dory,” meaning “everything’s okay” or “things are going well.” In modern English, “hunky-dory” is often used to describe something that is without problems and going smoothly.

• Everything is hunky-dory at work right now.目前工作上一切顺利。

• She said her relationship was hunky-dory.她说她的感情一切都很好。

• Don’t worry, everything will be hunky-dory by the weekend.别担心，到了周末一切都会很顺利的。

628. I can’t imagine

“我无法想象” 或 “我很难想象”。

这个短语用来表示对于某个情况，情景或想法感到不可思议或者超出了自己的想象范围。它可以用来表达震惊、疑惑或难以置信的情感。

This phrase is used to express disbelief or astonishment toward a particular situation, scenario, or idea. It’s commonly used to convey a sense of something being beyond imaginable limits.

• I can’t imagine living without the internet these days.我无法想象如今没有网络会是什么样。

• After hearing the news, I can’t imagine how the family must feel.在听到消息后，我无法想象那个家庭会是什么感觉。

• I can’t imagine working in such a stressful environment every day.我很难想象每天在这么有压力的环境中工作。

629. I don’t have two nickels to rub together

nickles： 美 [ˈnɪkəls] 五分镍币；镍币；（nickel的复数）

rub：擦；搓；磨；摩擦；揉擦

“我连两个五分硬币都凑不齐”，意指 “我非常贫穷” 或 “我一文不名”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪的美国，当时五分钱硬币（nickel）是常见的小面值货币。两个五分钱硬币相互摩擦产生声音，表示拥有极少量的财富。如果连两个五分硬币都没有，这说明一个人非常贫穷，完全没有钱花。

This idiom originates from 19th-century America when nickels were common low-denomination coins. Rubbing two nickels together creates a sound, indicating one has a small amount of money. If someone doesn’t even have two nickels to rub together, it shows they are very poor and have no money at all.

• After losing my job, I don’t have two nickels to rub together.失业后，我连两个五分钱硬币都没了。

• When I was a student, there were times I didn’t have two nickels to rub together.当我还是学生的时候，有时连两个五分钱硬币都凑不齐。

• We can’t go on a vacation right now; we don’t have two nickels to rub together.我们现在不能去度假，因为我们连两个五分钱硬币都拿不出。

630. I suck at something

“我很不擅长做某事”。

这个短语起源于美国的俚语，其中 “suck” 意思是 “糟糕” 或 “做得不好”。当人们说 “I suck at something” 时，他们是在表达自己在某项活动或技能上的不足或失败。这种表达通常带有自嘲的意味，并非过于严苛或正式。

This phrase originates from American slang, where “suck” means to be bad at or perform poorly in something. When people say “I suck at something,” they are conveying their inadequacy or failure in a particular activity or skill. This expression usually carries a self-deprecating tone and is not overly harsh or formal.

• I really suck at math. I always get bad grades.我真的很不擅长数学，总是得低分。

• She sucks at cooking but loves to experiment in the kitchen.她做饭很糟糕，但很喜欢在厨房里做实验。

• He admitted he sucks at playing the guitar but enjoys it anyway.他承认自己弹吉他很差，但仍然很享受。

631. I wasn’t born yesterday

我又不是三岁小孩” 或 “别把我当傻瓜”。

这个短语的来历可以追溯到 19 世纪，最早见于美国作家 Charles Dickens 的作品中。意思是说，我不是刚出生的婴儿，不会轻易被骗。此外，它还隐含了一个人有经验和智慧，能够识破谎言或不正行为的含义。

This phrase can be traced back to the 19th century, first appearing in the works of American writer Charles Dickens. It means that I am not a newborn baby and won’t be easily fooled. Additionally, it implies that a person has experience and wisdom and can see through lies or improper behavior.

• You can’t trick me with such a simple scam; I wasn’t born yesterday.你不能用如此简单的骗局来骗我；我又不是三岁小孩。

• When he tried to lie about his whereabouts, she just said, I wasn’t born yesterday.当他试图谎报去向时，她只是说了一句：我又不是三岁小孩。

• Don’t think you can cheat me; I wasn’t born yesterday.别以为你可以欺骗我；我又不是三岁小孩。

632. I’d give my right hand to

“我愿意付出一切” 或 “我愿意不惜任何代价”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到古老的习俗，右手被认为是最重要、最有用的肢体，表示愿意牺牲右手意味着愿意付出极大的代价来获得某样东西。它用于表达对某事物或某个机会的极度渴望和重视。

This idiom originates from the ancient belief that the right hand is the most important and useful limb. Saying one would give up their right hand indicates a willingness to pay a significant price to obtain something. It is used to convey an intense desire and value for a particular thing or opportunity.

• I’d give my right hand to meet my favorite author in person.我愿意付出一切只为亲眼见到我最喜欢的作家。

• She said she’d give her right hand to travel around the world.她说她愿意付出一切只为环游世界。

• I’d give my right hand to get that promotion at work.我愿意付出一切只为得到工作上的那次升职。

633. I’m losing it

“我要崩溃了” 或 “我快要失控了”。

这个短语用来表达一个人处于极度压力或情绪波动下，即将失去控制的状态。它可以指代心理压力大导致的精神崩溃，也可以指日常情绪崩溃。

This phrase is used to express that a person is under extreme stress or emotional turbulence and is about to lose control. It can refer to a mental breakdown due to high psychological pressure or simply an emotional outburst in everyday situations.

• I’m so stressed out with all these deadlines; I’m losing it.所有这些最后期限让我压力山大，我快要崩溃了。

• With the kids screaming non-stop, I feel like I’m losing it.孩子们不停地尖叫，我觉得我要失控了。

• After hours of trying to fix my computer, I’m losing it.经过几个小时的修电脑，我快要崩溃了。

634. Icing on the cake

icing：糖霜（用以装饰糕饼等）；糖衣（比喻意义上的美好外表）

“锦上添花” 或 “好上加好”。

这个短语的起源来自烘焙。蛋糕本身已经很好吃了，而糖霜的添加使得蛋糕更加美味和吸引人。因此，“icing on the cake” 用来指某件事本来已经很好了，而额外的事物或者情况使它变得更好。

This phrase originates from baking. A cake is already delicious, but the icing on top makes it even more appealing and tasty. Therefore, “icing on the cake” is used to describe a situation that is already good but is made even better by an additional factor.

• Getting a promotion was great, but the bonus was the icing on the cake.获得晋升本来就很棒了，而奖金则是锦上添花。

• Winning the game was amazing, but having my family there to see it was the icing on the cake.赢得比赛已经很不可思议了，而家人在现场观看更是锦上添花。

• The vacation was fantastic, and the sunny weather was the icing on the cake.假期本来已经很棒了，阳光明媚的天气更是锦上添花。

635. Idle hands are the devil’s tools

“懒惰生事端” 或 “无所事事易生恶念”。

这个习语源自古老的智慧，即当人们无事可做时，容易滋生麻烦和负面行为。这一短语在历史上可以追溯到中世纪和更早的宗教教义，强调勤劳和忙碌的重要性，并警惕懒惰带来的风险。

This idiom originates from ancient wisdom suggesting that when people have nothing to do, they are more likely to get into trouble and engage in negative behaviors. Historically, this phrase traces back to medieval times and even earlier religious teachings, which emphasize the importance of hard work and staying busy, warning against the dangers of idleness.

• My grandmother used to say, idle hands are the devil’s tools whenever I complained about being bored.每当我抱怨无聊时，我的奶奶总是说，懒惰生事端。

• The teacher gave us extra assignments, saying that idle hands are the devil’s tools.老师给了我们额外的作业，并说懒惰生事端。

• Parents often encourage their children to find a hobby because they believe idle hands are the devil’s tools.父母们经常鼓励孩子们找到一个爱好，因为他们相信懒惰生事端。

636. If I had a nickel for every time something happened

“如果每次某事发生我都能得到一分钱”。这个短语通常用来强调某事情发生的频率很高，有时也带有夸张的成分。

这个短语的来源可以追溯到美国，常用于表达某件事情发生得很频繁，甚至多到 “如果每次都能赚一点钱” 就能累积成一笔可观的金额。它可以用于表达不满、惊讶或幽默。

This idiom originates from the U.S. and is commonly used to emphasize that something happens very frequently, even implying that if you could earn a little money each time it happened, it would add up to a significant amount. It can be used to express frustration, surprise, or humor.

• If I had a nickel for every time he was late, I’d be rich.如果每次他迟到我都能得到一分钱，我已经会很富有了。

• If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me that question, I could retire.如果每次有人问我那个问题我都能得到一分钱，我可以退休了。

• If I had a nickel for every time my phone battery died, I’d have a lot of nickels.如果每次我的手机没电我都能得到一分钱，我会有很多很多钱。

637. If worst comes to worst

“如果情况变得最糟” 或 “在最坏的情况下”。

这个短语表达了当事情发展到最糟糕的情况时，尽可能找到应对方法的意思。它起源于人们希望即使最坏的情况发生，也能有应对策略或计划的意图。在日常对话中，这个短语常用于讨论不同的情形和应对方案时，表示已经为最坏的场景做了准备。

This phrase expresses the idea of finding a way to cope when things have reached their worst. It originated from the intention of having a contingency plan even if the worst happens. In everyday conversations, this idiom is often used when discussing various scenarios and responses, indicating that one has prepared for the worst-case scenario.

• If worst comes to worst, I’ll use my savings to cover the expenses.如果情况变得最糟，我会用我的积蓄来支付这些费用。

• If worst comes to worst, we can always ask for help from our friends.如果情况变得最糟，我们总可以向朋友们寻求帮助。

• If worst comes to worst, we’ll find another place to live.如果情况变得最糟，我们会找另一个地方住。

638. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen

“如果你不能忍受热度，那就离开厨房” 或 “如果你不能承受压力，那就退出”。

这个短语源自厨房环境中温度很高的事实。在厨房工作需要能够忍受高温以及紧张的工作压力。后来这个短语变成了一种比喻，用来表示如果一个人不能处理某种情况的压力或挑战，他们就应该离开或放弃。

This phrase originates from the fact that a kitchen is an environment with high temperatures. Working in a kitchen requires being able to withstand the heat and the intense pressure of the job. Over time, this expression became a metaphor for situations where if someone cannot handle the pressure or challenges, they should leave or give up.

• Running a business is tough. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.经营一家公司是很艰难的。如果你不能承受压力，就退出吧。

• Politics is a rough game. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.政治是一场残酷的游戏。如果你不能承受压力，就退出吧。

• Being a teacher is challenging. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.当老师很有挑战性。如果你不能承受压力，就退出吧。

639. If you play your cards right

“如果你做得对” 或 “如果你能妥善处理”。

这个短语源自扑克牌游戏中，玩家需要策略性地打出手中的牌才能赢得比赛。在日常生活中，它被用来表示如果某人能够聪明地处理情况或做出正确的决定，他们将会成功。

This idiom originates from card games where players must strategically play their cards to win. In everyday language, it suggests that if someone handles a situation wisely or makes the right decisions, they will succeed.

• If you play your cards right, you might get that promotion.如果你能妥善处理，你可能会得到那次升职机会。

• She can achieve a lot in her career if she plays her cards right.如果她能妥善处理，她在事业上可以有很大的成就。

• If you play your cards right, you could end up being very successful in this business.如果你能妥善处理，你可能会在这个生意中非常成功。

640. Ignorance is bliss

bliss：美 [blɪs] 极乐；大喜；福佑；至福

“不知者无忧” 或 “无知是福”。

这个短语起源于 18 世纪英国诗人托马斯·格雷（Thomas Gray）的诗《田园墓志铭》（“Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College”）。在这首诗中，格雷通过描述年轻学生的天真和无忧无虑，表达了对成年后生活压力和烦恼的感叹。这个短语用于表达在某些情况下，不知道某些事情反而可以避免焦虑和烦恼。

This phrase originates from the 18th-century English poet Thomas Gray’s poem “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College.” In the poem, Gray describes the innocence and carefree lives of schoolboys, contrasting it with the pressures and worries of adulthood. The phrase is used to suggest that in certain situations, not knowing certain things can actually help one avoid anxiety and distress.

• He decided not to tell her about the bad news; after all, ignorance is bliss.他决定不告诉她坏消息，毕竟，不知者无忧。

• Sometimes I think ignorance is bliss when it comes to knowing too many details about work.有时候，我觉得对于工作中太多的细节，还是无知是福。

• Ignorance is bliss; knowing the truth might just make you more stressed.无知是福；知道真相可能只会让你更有压力。

后记

2024年11月24日15点07分于上海。