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Most Common American Idioms: Part 65

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。

1281. Up in arms

非常愤怒或强烈抗议。

这个短语起源于 17 世纪，当时 “arms” 是指武器，尤其指军事行动中的武器。原本意指某人拿起武器准备抗战，后来演变为表示某人对某一情况极度愤怒或强烈抗议。

This idiom originates from the 17th century when “arms” referred to weapons, especially those used in military actions. Initially, it meant someone was ready to take up arms for a fight, but it has since evolved to mean that someone is extremely angry or voicing strong opposition to something.

• The community is up in arms about the proposed development project.社区对拟议的开发项目感到非常愤怒。

• Parents were up in arms over the new school policy.家长们对新的学校政策感到非常愤怒。

• Employees are up in arms about the sudden changes in the company.员工们对公司突然的变化感到强烈抗议。

1282. Up in the air

“悬而未决” 或 “不确定”。

这个短语最早出现于 19 世纪的美国中西部，起初是指浮在空中的东西，后来演变成现在的比喻性用法，表示某事尚未决定或结果未定的状态。在很多场合，当讨论某项计划或项目时，如果其未来走向不明，就会使用 “up in the air” 来形容这种不确定性。

This phrase first appeared in the mid-19th century in the American Midwest. Originally, it referred to objects floating in the air, but it has since evolved into a figurative expression to describe something that has not been decided or is uncertain. It is commonly used when discussing plans or projects whose future is unclear.

• Our vacation plans are still up in the air because we’re waiting for confirmation from the hotel.我们的度假计划还悬而未决，因为我们在等酒店的确认。

• The future of the project is up in the air until we get more funding.该项目的未来悬而未决，直到我们获得更多的资金。

• Whether we will have the meeting tomorrow is still up in the air.我们明天是否会开会还不确定。

1283. Up the Creek Without a Paddle

creek： 美 [krik] 小河；小溪；

“陷入困境” 或 “身处困境中无法自拔”。

这个短语源自航行或划船的经历，当你在溪流中央却没有桨，意味着你无法控制和掌控局面，陷入困境。现今，这个短语被用于描述处于困境而无力解决的情况。

This idiom originates from the experience of navigating or boating. If you are in the middle of a creek without a paddle, you lose control and cannot manage the situation, finding yourself in trouble. Nowadays, the phrase is used to describe being in a difficult situation with no way out.

• After losing his job, he felt he was up the creek without a paddle.失业后，他感到自己陷入了困境，无法自拔。

• If the project fails, we’ll be up the creek without a paddle.如果项目失败了，我们将陷入困境。

• Without a backup plan, they found themselves up the creek without a paddle.没有备用计划，他们发现自己陷入了困境。

1284. Up to snuff

snuff：美 [snʌf] 鼻烟；烛花

“达到标准” 或 “合格”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪，用于描述烟草的质量。当时，烟草是一个流行的社交工具，质量好的烟草被称为 “snuff” 。如果某物被认为是 “up to snuff” ，意味着它达到了预期的质量标准。在现今，这个短语被用来表示某人或某事符合标准或期望。

This phrase originated in the 19th century and was used to describe the quality of tobacco. At that time, tobacco was a popular social commodity, and good quality tobacco was referred to as “snuff”. If something was considered “up to snuff”, it meant it met the expected quality standards. Nowadays, this phrase is used to indicate that someone or something is up to the required standard or expectation.

• His work wasn’t up to snuff, so he had to redo it.他的工作没有达到标准，所以他必须重做。

• The new software isn’t up to snuff yet; it still has many bugs.新软件还没有达到标准，它还有很多错误。

• He spent extra time to bring the project up to snuff before the deadline.他在截止日期前花了额外的时间使项目达到标准。

1285. Upset the apple cart

“打乱现局” 或 “破坏现有秩序”。

这个短语起源于古老的市场交易。小贩们会用推车装苹果，如果有人不小心撞翻了这些车，苹果会滚得到处都是，导致混乱和损失。因此，“upset the apple cart” 就引申为扰乱已有的计划或者破坏现有的秩序。

This phrase originates from ancient market trades. Vendors would use carts to carry apples, and if someone accidentally knocked over these carts, apples would spill everywhere, causing chaos and loss. Thus, “upset the apple cart” came to mean disrupting existing plans or disturbing the current order.

• His unexpected resignation upset the apple cart at the company.他意外的辞职打乱了公司现有的秩序。

• Don’t upset the apple cart by making sudden changes to the plan.不要因突然改变计划而打乱整个安排。

• The new policy will upset the apple cart for many employees.新政策会破坏许多员工现有的工作秩序。

1286. Use your loaf

loaf：一条（面包）；大块；一块；一整块（如肉或奶酪

“动脑筋” 或 “用心想想”。

这个短语起源于英国俚语，把头部比作一条面包。在伦敦的 Cockney 俚语中，“loaf of bread” 通过押韵，本义转化为代表 “head”（头）的意思。因此，“use your loaf” 就代表着使用你的头脑，即动脑筋的意思。

This phrase originates from British slang, comparing the head to a loaf of bread. In London Cockney rhyming slang, “loaf of bread” rhymes with “head”. Therefore, “use your loaf” means using your head or thinking carefully.

• Come on, use your loaf! It’s not that complicated.拜托，动动脑筋！这没有那么复杂。

• If you use your loaf, you’ll figure out the solution soon.如果你动动脑筋，很快就能找到解决方法。

• She didn’t need my help; she just needed to use her loaf.她不需要我的帮助，她只需要动脑筋。

1287. Veg out

veg：美 [vɛdʒ]虚度；打发时间；消磨时间；休闲

“葛优瘫” 或 “无所事事”。

这个短语起源于现代俚语，尤其是在电视文化盛行的背景下。它描述了一种放松的状态，人们通常会在闲暇时躺在沙发上看电视或做一些无需动脑的事情。我们可以把这个短语理解为放松到就像植物（vegetable）一样，无需思考。

This phrase comes from modern slang, especially within TV culture. It describes a relaxed state where people usually lie on a couch watching TV or doing something that requires little mental effort. The phrase can be understood as relaxing to the point where you’re as inactive as a vegetable.

• After a long week at work, I just want to veg out on the couch and watch movies.忙碌了一周之后，我只想瘫在沙发上看电影。

• He spent the entire weekend vegging out in front of the TV.他整个周末都在电视前无所事事。

• Sometimes you just need to veg out and recharge your batteries.有时候你只是需要无所事事地放松一下，给自己充电。

1288. Walk in someone’s shoes

“设身处地” 或 “换位思考”。

这个短语来源于这样一个概念：通过穿上别人的鞋子，意味着站在他们的立场上，体验他们的生活。这通常用于叫人们尝试理解他人的感受和经历，从而产生同情和理解。

The phrase originates from the concept of putting on someone else’s shoes to stand in their position and experience their life. It is often used to tell people to try to understand another person’s feelings and experiences, thereby fostering empathy and understanding.

• Before criticizing her, try to walk in her shoes and understand her situation.在批评她之前，试着设身处地地理解她的情况。

• If you walk in his shoes, you might realize why he made that decision.如果你能换位思考，你可能会明白他为什么会做出那个决定。

• It’s easy to judge, but harder to walk in someone else’s shoes.批评他人容易，但设身处地为他人着想则更难。

1289. Walk in the park

“轻松的事情”，或者表示一件非常容易完成的事情。

这个短语的起源来自于 “在公园散步” 这种轻松愉快的活动。公园通常被认为是放松和悠闲的地方，在公园里散步是不费力气且令人愉悦的事情。因此，当某件事被形容为 “walk in the park” 时，就意味着这件事如同在公园散步一样简单轻松。

This phrase originates from the idea of “walking in the park,” which is a relaxing and enjoyable activity. Parks are generally viewed as places of relaxation and leisure, and walking in a park is considered an effortless and pleasant activity. Hence, when something is described as a “walk in the park,” it implies that the task is just as easy and stress-free.

• Fixing the computer was a walk in the park for him.修理电脑对他来说是件轻松的事情。

• Compared to last year’s project, this one is a walk in the park.与去年的项目相比，这个项目真是轻松多了。

• Don’t worry about the exam, it’s going to be a walk in the park.不用担心考试，这会很容易的。

1290. Walking on air

“飘飘然” 或 “感到无比快乐”。

这个成语来源于一种感觉，即人会在极度高兴和兴奋时感觉像是脚不沾地、在空中行走一样。在日常对话中，“walking on air” 用于描述极度的愉悦和幸福感。

This idiom originates from the sensation that one feels like they are walking above the ground, experiencing an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement. In everyday conversation, “walking on air” is used to describe a state of extreme happiness and elation.

• After hearing the good news, she was literally walking on air.听到好消息后，她简直是飘飘然了。

• He felt like he was walking on air after winning the contest.赢得比赛后，他感觉像是脚不沾地一样快乐。

• Whenever she talks about her new job, she’s walking on air.每次她谈到她的新工作，她都会感到无比快乐。

1291. Wallflower

“墙花” 或 “在社交场合中不引人注意的人”。

这个短语来源于舞会或社交聚会上，那些站在房间边缘（即靠墙），不参与活动或不被他人注意到的人。如今，该词常用于形容在社交活动或聚会上显得害羞、不突出或不引人注意的人。

This phrase originates from balls or social gatherings, referring to those who stand by the walls of the room, not participating in the activities or going unnoticed by others. Nowadays, the term is commonly used to describe people who are shy, not prominent, or not noticed in social events or parties.

• At every party, she feels like a wallflower, afraid to dance or mingle.每次聚会，她都觉得自己像个墙花，害怕跳舞或与人交往。

• Don’t be a wallflower; go out and meet some new people!不要做墙花；走出去认识一些新朋友吧！

• Despite being a wallflower in high school, he became very outgoing in college.尽管在高中时是个墙花，但他在大学里变得非常外向。

1292. Washing my hands of something/someone

“与某事／某人撇清关系” 或 “不再插手某事／某人”。

这个短语起源于《圣经》中彼拉多的故事。彼拉多是罗马总督，他在耶稣被审判时，象征性地洗了手，以表示自己对于耶稣的命运不再负责。这一动作象征着他想从此事中撇清关系，因此短语 “washing my hands of something/someone” 逐渐演变成了表示不再涉及或脱身某事／某人的意思。

The phrase “washing my hands of something/someone” comes from a story in the Bible about Pontius Pilate. Pilate was a Roman governor who, during the trial of Jesus, symbolically washed his hands to show that he was no longer responsible for Jesus’ fate. This action represented his desire to distance himself from the situation. Over time, the phrase “washing my hands of something/someone” has evolved to mean stepping away from involvement or responsibility for something or someone.

• After the project became too complicated, she finally said she was washing her hands of it.在项目变得太复杂之后，她最终表示自己不再插手了。

• I’ve tried to help him many times, but now I’m washing my hands of him.我已经多次试图帮他，但现在我决定和他撇清关系。

• The manager is washing his hands of the issue after the significant backlash.在受到严重反对之后，经理决定与这个问题撇清关系。

1293. Waste not, want not

“俭以防匮” 或 “不浪费就不会缺乏”。

这个短语意指如果你不浪费任何东西，你就永远不会缺乏任何东西。这句话鼓励人们节约资源、珍惜物品，以避免未来的匮乏和需要。这种思想可以追溯到古代的节约美德，在家庭和社会生活中广泛应用。

This phrase means if you don’t waste anything, you will never be in need. It encourages people to save resources and cherish their belongings to avoid future shortages and needs. This concept dates back to ancient thrift virtues and is widely applied in both household and social life.

• Waste not, want not is a principle my parents taught me from a young age.我的父母从小就教我 “俭以防匮” 的道理。

• By following the waste not, want not rule, we managed to save a lot of money over the years.通过遵循 “不浪费就不会缺乏” 的原则，我们多年下来省了不少钱。

• Grandma always said, waste not, want not, and she lived a very modest but fulfilling life.奶奶总是说，“俭以防匮”，她过着非常简朴但满足的生活。

1294. Watch out for

“小心” 或 “留意”。

这个短语源自英文口语表达，意味著要小心或者警惕某件事情或某个人。通常用来提醒别人注意潜在的危险、问题或重要的事物。

This phrase originates from conversational English and means to be careful or alert about something or someone. It is often used to caution others about potential dangers, problems, or important matters.

• Watch out for that car while crossing the street.过马路时小心那辆车。

• You should watch out for scams when shopping online.你在网上购物时应该小心骗局。

• Watch out for pickpockets in crowded places.在拥挤的地方要留意扒手。

1295. Water under the bridge

“过眼云烟” 或 “既往不咎”。

这个短语的起源与河水有关，表示已经流过桥下的水不会再回来，暗喻过去的事情已经发生，无需再为之烦恼或忧虑。在日常生活中，这个短语常用于表示放下过去的争执或矛盾，不再计较。

This idiom originates with the imagery of water flowing under a bridge, signifying that the water (or past events) has passed and will not return. In everyday usage, this phrase indicates letting go of past disputes or issues, choosing not to worry about them anymore.

• We had our differences in the past, but it’s all water under the bridge now.我们过去有些分歧，但现在这些都已经是过眼云烟了。

• Let’s forget about our old arguments; it’s water under the bridge.让我们忘记以前的争吵吧，这都是既往不咎了。

• They decided to move forward and consider past mistakes as water under the bridge.他们决定向前看，把过去的错误看作既往不咎。

1296. Watering hole

“水坑” 或 “饮水地”，在现代英语中，通常指代一个社交场所，比如酒吧、咖啡馆等，人们在这里聚集社交、放松。

这个短语源自野生动物学，指的是动物们在旱季时会去的饮水地。不论是什么种类的动物，在需要喝水时都会汇聚在这样一个地方，因此也引申为人们定期去放松和社交的地方。

This phrase originates from zoology, where animals go to specific spots to drink water, especially during dry seasons. Regardless of the animal species, they would gather at a watering hole to quench their thirst. This concept was later adapted to describe places where people gather regularly to relax and socialize.

• The local pub has become my favorite watering hole.当地的酒吧成了我最喜欢的聚会场所。

• After work, we all head to a nearby watering hole to unwind.下班后，我们都会去附近的一个酒吧放松一下。

• He’s at the usual watering hole if you want to find him.如果你想找他，他在常去的那个酒吧。

1297. Wave of the future

“未来的趋势” 或 “未来的发展方向”。

这个短语起源于对新技术、新思想或新潮流的形象化描述，类似于海浪不断向前涌来，象征着未来的不可阻挡的潮流。它经常用来形容某个新兴事物或趋势在未来将会变得非常重要和普及。

This phrase originates from a metaphorical description of new technologies, ideas, or trends, similar to waves continually surging forward, symbolizing the inevitable trends of the future. It is often used to describe something emerging that is expected to become very important and widespread in the future.

• Electric cars are the wave of the future.电动汽车是未来的趋势。

• Remote work is likely the wave of the future.远程工作很可能是未来的发展方向。

• Artificial intelligence is the wave of the future in many industries.人工智能是许多行业未来的发展趋势。

1298. We see eye to eye

“我们意见一致” 或 “我们看法相同”。

这个短语起源于实际的面对面对话中，当两个人彼此对视并互相理解时，会有一种和谐一致的感觉。因此，“eye to eye” 形象地表达了彼此之间的意见和看法是一致的。在现代英语中，这个短语通常用来表示两个人在某个问题上有相同的看法或观点。

This phrase originates from the literal sense of two people looking directly into each other’s eyes and understanding each other, creating a sense of harmony and agreement. In modern English, this idiom is commonly used to indicate that two people share the same opinion or viewpoint on a particular issue.

• My boss and I see eye to eye on the direction of the project.我和老板在项目的方向上意见一致。

• They didn’t always see eye to eye, but they learned to respect each other’s opinions.他们并不总是看法相同，但学会了尊重彼此的意见。

• It’s important for a couple to see eye to eye on important issues.夫妻在重要问题上看法一致是很重要的。

1299. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it

“船到桥头自然直”。

这个短语起源于字面意思，即指当你去旅行或行进时，在遇到一座桥之前不需要处理与过桥相关的问题。在现代语境中，这个谚语被用来表示当前无需操心未来可能遇到的问题，等到实际遇到困难时再解决。

This phrase originates from its literal meaning, referring to the act of not needing to deal with problems related to crossing a bridge until you actually arrive at one during your journey. In a modern context, it is used to signify that there is no need to worry about potential future issues until they actually arise.

• If we run out of money, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.如果我们耗尽了钱，到时候再解决。

• Don’t worry about the project failing; we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.别担心项目失败，船到桥头自然直。

• What if the weather is bad on the day of the event? We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.如果活动当天天气不好怎么办？到时候再说吧。

1300. Wear many different hats

“身兼多职” 或 “扮演多重角色”。

这个短语起源于过去人们通过帽子来识别职业和身份的做法。同一个人戴上不同的帽子，就意味着他在扮演不同的角色或从事不同的工作。在现代，“wear many different hats” 用来形容一个人在不同时间或情境中参与多种职责和任务。

This phrase originates from the past when different hats were used to identify one’s profession and status. When the same person wore different hats, it indicated that they were playing different roles or doing various jobs. In modern times, “wear many different hats” is used to describe someone who is involved in multiple duties and tasks at different times or contexts.

• In a small company, employees often have to wear many different hats to get things done.在小公司里，员工通常需要身兼多职才能完成工作。

• As a parent, it’s common to wear many different hats — from being a cook to a teacher.作为父母，身兼多职很常见 —— 从厨师到老师。

• She’s an entrepreneur who wears many different hats, including being a manager, marketer, and customer service representative.她是一个身兼多职的企业家，包括经理、市营销员和客服代表。

后记

2024年12月11日21点32分于上海。