Most Common American Idioms: Part 57
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。
1121. That hit the spot
“正合我意” 或 “正是我想要的”。
这个短语起源于人们吃东西或喝饮料时，如果某种味道或感觉特别满足他们的需求或想法，会用 “hit the spot” 来描述那种刚好合适的开心和满足感。在现代社会，这个短语通常用来形容某个东西（尤其是食物和饮料）正好满足了某人的期待和需求。
This phrase originates from the feeling when something you eat or drink particularly satisfies your needs or cravings. Modernly, this idiom is commonly used to describe something (especially food or drink) that exactly meets someone’s expectations and needs, providing a sense of satisfaction.
-
That pizza really hit the spot.那块披萨真正合我意。
-
After a long hike, a cold lemonade hit the spot.在长距离徒步后，一杯冰柠檬水正是我需要的。
-
The spicy noodles hit the spot on a cold day.在寒冷的日子里，辣面条真是正合我意。
1122. That is to say
“也就是说”。
该短语用来进一步解释或重述之前的话，以确保信息清楚明确。例如，当你给出一个复杂的观点后，可以使用 “That is to say” 来重新解释，以更简单或直白的方式说出来。在口语和书面语中都很常见。
The phrase is used to further explain or restate what has been said, ensuring clarity and understanding. For example, after providing a complex idea, you might use “That is to say” to rephrase it in a simpler or more straightforward way. It is common in both spoken and written language.
-
He is a polyglot, that is to say, he speaks many languages.他是个多语言者，也就是说，他会说很多种语言。
-
The project failed, that is to say, it didn’t meet our expectations.项目失败了，也就是说，它没有达到我们的期望。
-
We need more time, that is to say, we won’t finish by the deadline.我们需要更多时间，也就是说，我们无法在截止日期前完成。
1123. That ship has sailed
“船已经开了” 或 “机不可失时不再来”。
这个短语源自于航海的时代，当一艘船离港后，错过这艘船的人只能等待下一艘。现代社会中，这个表达被用来形容一个机会已经错过，不再可能实现。
This idiom comes from the age of sailing, where once a ship left the port, those who missed it had to wait for the next one. In modern usage, it describes a situation where an opportunity has been missed and is no longer possible.
-
He wanted to ask her out, but now she’s dating someone else. That ship has sailed.他曾想约她出去，但她现在已经在和别人约会了。机不可失时不再来。
-
We were considering buying that house last month, but now that ship has sailed.我们上个月考虑买那栋房子，但现在机会已经没了。
-
Could we reschedule the meeting? Sorry, that ship has sailed.我们能重新安排会议吗？抱歉，已经来不及了。
1124. That’s all she wrote
“事情就到这里”，或 “事情结束了”。用来表达某件事情已经完全结束或达到了最终结果，没有更多的内容可供补充。
这个短语的起源有多种说法，一种较为普遍的说法是，来源于第二次世界大战期间士兵们从家收到的简单信件，信中只有一句 “That’s all she wrote”（她就写了这些），表示已经没有更多的信息传递给收信人。这句话后来被提炼为一个固定表达，用以形容事情已尘埃落定或没有更多可以谈论的事情。
This phrase has various speculated origins, but a common explanation dates back to World War II. Soldiers would receive short letters from home, and they would say “That’s all she wrote,” indicating that there was no more information in the letter. Over time, this phrase became a fixed expression used to signify that something is completely finished or there is nothing more to discuss.
-
After the team lost the final game, *that’s all she wrote.*在队伍输掉最后一场比赛后，事情就到此为止了。
-
When he walked out of the room, *that’s all she wrote.*当他走出房间时，事情就算结束了。
-
She handed in her resignation letter and *that’s all she wrote.*她提交了辞职信，事情就结束了。
1125. That’s the last straw
“这是最后一根稻草” 或 “压垮骆驼的最后一根稻草”。
这个短语来源于一句寓言，讲的是一个骆驼被逐渐增加的负担压垮，直到最后一小撮稻草终于使它不堪重负。这个表达常用于形容人在面对持续的压力或问题时，最终一个小问题或事件使人再也无法忍受、承受或妥协。
This phrase originates from a fable about a camel being loaded with increasing amounts of burden until a small straw finally breaks its back. This expression is often used to describe a situation where a person is dealing with continuous pressure or problems, and finally, one small issue or event causes them to no longer bear, endure, or compromise.
-
When he arrived late again, it was the last straw for his boss.当他再次迟到时，这对他的老板来说是最后一根稻草。
-
Her constant complaints were the last straw in their relationship.她不断的抱怨是他们关系中的最后一根稻草。
-
Finding out about his lie was the last straw for her.发现他的谎言对她来说就是压垮她的最后一根稻草。
1126. That’s wicked
“这真是太棒了” 或 “太厉害了”。
“That’s wicked” 是一种俚语，最早起源于英国，后在美国特别是波士顿地区广泛使用。虽然 “wicked” 本意是 “邪恶的”，但在这种用法中却表示极好或令人印象深刻，这种用法可能源自青少年亚文化的语言现象，利用反义词创造新的表达方式。
This slang phrase originated in the UK and later became widely used in the US, especially in the Boston area. Although “wicked” originally means “evil,” in this context it means extremely good or impressive. This usage perhaps evolved through youth subculture language practices, where antonyms were used to create new expressions.
-
That concert was wicked!那场演唱会真是太棒了！
-
Wow, your skateboard tricks are wicked!哇，你的滑板技巧真是太厉害了！
-
The special effects in that movie were wicked!那部电影的特效真是太酷了！
1127. The apple of my eye
“掌上明珠” 或 “珍爱之人”。
这个短语的起源可以追溯到古英语时期。当时，“apple” 这个词用来指瞳孔，因为瞳孔被认为是眼睛中最重要的部分。因此，形容一个人为 “the apple of my eye” 意味着这个人对你来说非常重要和珍贵，像是你眼中的瞳孔一样珍视。
This phrase originates from Old English. At that time, the word “apple” referred to the pupil of the eye, which was considered the most important part of the eye. Therefore, describing someone as “the apple of my eye” means that the person is very important and precious to you, cherished like the pupil of your eye.
-
My daughter is the apple of my eye.我的女儿是我的掌上明珠。
-
He always talks about his son as if he is the apple of his eye.他总是谈论他的儿子，好像他是他的掌上明珠。
-
Her little dog is the apple of her eye.她的小狗是她的掌中宝。
1128. The ball is in your court
“轮到你做决定” 或 “现在由你负责”。
这个短语起源于网球等球类运动中，当球在某一方球场时，表示该方需要接球并决定下一步的动作。引申到日常生活中，这句话被用来比喻在某个决策或行动过程中，当前的责任或选择权归某人所有。
This idiom originates from sports like tennis, where when the ball is in a player’s court, it’s their responsibility to hit it back and make the next move. In daily life, it is used metaphorically to indicate that the responsibility or decision-making power now lies with a specific person.
-
I’ve given you all the information. Now the ball is in your court.我已经给了你所有信息，现在轮到你决定了。
-
We made our offer, so the ball is in their court now.我们已经提出了条件，现在轮到他们决定了。
-
After the meeting, the ball is in his court to finalize the deal.会议结束后，最终敲定交易的任务就交到了他手上。
1129. The bee’s knees
“最顶尖的” 或 “最好的”。
这个短语起源于 1920 年代的美国俚语，最初用来形容任何特别优秀的事物或人。它的确切起源并不十分明确，但一些研究人员认为这只是一个无意义的短语，它是用来说笑和形容好东西的。
This phrase originated in American slang in the 1920s and was used to describe anything exceptionally good or of high quality. Its exact origins are unclear, but some researchers suggest that it might just be a nonsense phrase that caught on as a way to humorously describe something outstanding.
-
That new bakery down the street is the bee’s knees.街道那头新开的面包店简直是最棒的。
-
Her homemade apple pie is the bee’s knees.她自制的苹果派堪称一绝。
-
I think this new movie is the bee’s knees.我觉得这部新电影非常棒。
1130. The best of both worlds
“两全其美”。
这个短语的意思是，从两种不同的情况或选择中获得最大的好处而没有任何负面影响。它最早可以追溯到 19 世纪，强调一种理想的、完美的状态，其中两种相对的事物能够和谐共存。
This phrase means to get the greatest benefits from two different situations or choices without any negative consequences. It can be traced back to the 19th century and emphasizes an ideal, perfect state in which two contrasting things coexist harmoniously.
-
Working from home gives me the best of both worlds; I can be productive and spend more time with my family.在家工作让我两全其美；我既能高效工作，又能花更多时间陪伴家人。
-
This hybrid car offers the best of both worlds by being both eco-friendly and cost-effective.这款混合动力车两全其美，既环保又经济实惠。
-
With this job, you get the best of both worlds: a good salary and flexible hours.有了这份工作，你可以两全其美：既有高薪水，又有灵活的工作时间。
1131. The best thing since sliced bread
自切片面包以来最好的发明，用来形容某物非常棒或极其优秀。
这个短语起源于 20 世纪初，美国发明家奥托·罗维德于 1928 年发明了切片面包机，这使得面包在市场上更受欢迎和便利。从此，“切片面包” 被视为极大的改进，因此这个短语成了赞美某物非常出色的新创意或新发明的表达方式。
This phrase originated in the early 20th century when American inventor Otto Rohwedder invented the bread-slicing machine in 1928, making bread more popular and convenient. Since then, “sliced bread” has been seen as a major improvement, and the phrase has become a way to praise something as an outstanding new idea or invention.
-
The new smartphone is considered the best thing since sliced bread.新的智能手机被认为是自切片面包以来最好的发明。
-
He thinks his new software is the best thing since sliced bread.他认为他的新软件是自切片面包以来最好的东西。
-
Everyone at the office says that new coffee machine is the best thing since sliced bread.办公室的每个人都说那台新的咖啡机是自切片面包以来最好的东西。
1132. The Big Apple
“纽约市”。
这个短语的起源可以追溯到 1920 年代，当时《纽约晨报》的体育记者 John J. Fitz Gerald 他的赛马专栏中第一次使用了这个词语，来形容纽约市为赛马的终极目标和荣耀。从 1970 年代起，这一短语在纽约市旅游局的推广下变得更加广为人知。
This phrase can trace its origins back to the 1920s, when John J. Fitz Gerald, a sports writer for the New York Morning Telegraph, first used it in his horse-racing column to describe New York City as the ultimate goal and glory for horse races. Since the 1970s, the term has become even more popular due to the promotional efforts by the New York City tourism board.
-
I’ve always dreamed of living in The Big Apple.我一直梦想着住在纽约市。
-
They took a trip to The Big Apple to see a Broadway show.他们去了纽约市观看百老汇的演出。
-
The Big Apple is known for its vibrant culture and diversity.纽约市以其充满活力的文化和多样性而闻名。
1133. The Big Easy
“新奥尔良” 的昵称。这个短语用来描述美国路易斯安那州的新奥尔良市，因为该城市的生活节奏轻松悠闲，相比其他大城市，这里的压力较小。
这个短语的起源尚不完全确定，但普遍认为是在 1970 年代，由记者们在描述新奥尔良的轻松氛围与文化时所使用的。新奥尔良以其独特的音乐、文化、食物和狂欢节（Mardi Gras）著称，所以 “The Big Easy” 形象地表达了这座城市的魅力。
-
We decided to take a vacation in The Big Easy to enjoy some jazz music.我们决定去新奥尔良度假，享受一些爵士乐。
-
Living in The Big Easy means you can always find great food and music.住在新奥尔良意味着你总能找到美食和音乐。
-
He moved to The Big Easy for its vibrant cultural scene.他搬到新奥尔良是因为这里充满活力的文化氛围。
1134. The bottom line
“底线” 或 “最终结果”。
这个短语起源于会计学中，用于表示最终计算出的结论或净收益，即利润表中的最后一行。而在更广泛的使用中，“the bottom line” 被用来指代一个问题或讨论的核心结论或最重要的事实。
This phrase originates from accounting, where it is used to refer to the final figure or net income, which appears on the last line of a profit-and-loss statement. In a broader sense, “the bottom line” is used to signify the core conclusion or most important fact of a matter or discussion.
-
The bottom line is that we need to increase our sales to stay profitable.底线是我们需要增加销售才能保持盈利。
-
The bottom line of the report is that our team performed well.报告的结论是我们的团队表现良好。
-
You can offer all the excuses you want, but the bottom line is that the project is late.你可以找所有借口，但底线是项目已经拖延了。
1135. The boys in blue
“男孩穿着蓝色制服”，意为 “警察”。
这个短语起源于美国和英国警察的传统制服，通常是蓝色的。在现代语境中，“the boys in blue” 常常用来非正式地指代警察，尤其是在谈论他们执行任务时。
This phrase originates from the traditional blue uniforms worn by police officers in the United States and the United Kingdom. In modern contexts, “the boys in blue” is often used informally to refer to police officers, especially when talking about them while on duty.
-
The neighborhood is safe thanks to the boys in blue patrolling every night.由于警察每晚巡逻，社区变得很安全。
-
When trouble started, we called the boys in blue immediately.一有麻烦发生，我们立刻叫了警察来。
-
He wanted to join the boys in blue and serve his community.他想加入警察队伍，为社区服务。
1136. The brush-off / brushed me off
“被冷落” 或 “被敷衍”。
这个短语源自于简单的身体动作，类似于用刷子把灰尘或杂质刷掉。当一个人被 “brush off” 时，就如同你把身上的灰尘轻轻刷掉一样，象征着对这人的轻视或不重视。因此，这个短语通常用来指被人冷落或敷衍了事，无论是口头上还是行为上的。
The phrase “brush off” comes from a simple physical action, like using a brush to sweep away dust or dirt. When someone gets a “brush off,” it’s like brushing off dust from your clothes, symbolizing that you don’t take them seriously or give them proper attention. This phrase usually means being dismissed or ignored, whether in words or actions.
-
She gave him the brush-off when he asked her out.当他邀请她出去时，她冷淡地拒绝了他。
-
I tried to help, but he just brushed me off.我试图帮忙，但他只是敷衍了事。
-
Don’t let her brush you off; make sure she listens to you.不要让她敷衍你；要确保她听你说。
1137. The burning question
“迫切的问题” 或 “备受关注的问题”。
这个短语的起源可以追溯到 19 世纪后期，当时人们用 “burning”（燃烧的）来形容特别重要或紧急的事情。这个形象的表达意味着这个问题如同火焰般迫切，需要立刻得到解决。
This phrase originates from the late 19th century, when “burning” was used to describe something particularly important or urgent. This vivid expression suggests that the issue is as pressing as a flame and needs immediate attention.
-
The burning question is how we can solve the climate crisis.迫切的问题是我们如何解决气候危机。
-
Let’s address the burning question before moving on to the next topic.在进入下一个话题之前，我们先解决迫切的问题。
-
Everyone in the meeting had the same burning question: when will the new project start?在会议上，所有人都有同样的迫切问题：新项目什么时候开始？
1138. The cat’s meow
meow： 美 [miˈaʊ] 猫叫声；喵喵声
“最好的” 或者 “非常棒的”。
“The cat’s meow” 这个短语起源于 20 世纪 20 年代的美国，作为当时流行的俚语之一。这句话是由美国新闻人 Tad Dorgan 创建的，非常热门，用来形容某物或某人的绝佳之处。就像我们对猫咪感到稀有和惊奇一样，这个 idiom 用来形容某物或某人是顶尖的、出类拔萃的。
This phrase originated in the 1920s USA, as one of the popular slang terms of the time. It was created by American journalist Tad Dorgan and became very popular for describing something or someone as the best or extremely good. Just as people find cats rare and intriguing, this idiom is used to describe something or someone as top-notch and exceptional.
-
Her new dress is really the cat’s meow; everyone loves it.她的新裙子真的非常棒；每个人都喜欢。
-
The new restaurant in town is the cat’s meow. The food is amazing!镇上的新餐厅真是顶尖的。食物太好吃了！
-
If you think your new gadget is the cat’s meow, I can’t wait to see it!如果你认为你的新小玩意儿是最棒的，那我迫不及待想看到它！
1139. The devil is in the details
“细节决定成败” 或 “问题出在细节上”。
这个表达起源于德语的 “Der Teufel steckt im Detail” ，在英语中搬用了这种说法。它强调即使是看起来很简单的事情，如果不注意细节，也可能在细节上出问题或导致失败。
This expression originates from the German phrase “Der Teufel steckt im Detail,” which has been adopted into English. It emphasizes that even seemingly simple tasks can go wrong or fail if one does not pay attention to the details.
-
We thought we had the project completed, but the devil is in the details.我们以为项目已经完成了，但问题出在细节上。
-
The devil is in the details, so we need to review every part of the contract carefully.问题出在细节上，所以我们需要仔细审查合同的每一部分。
-
When planning an event, remember that the devil is in the details.在策划活动时，记住细节决定成败。
1140. The early bird gets the worm
“早起的鸟儿有虫吃”。
这个谚语源自鸟类的早晨觅食习惯。早上早起的鸟儿会最先找到食物。因此，这句话用来比喻早早行动的人会获得成功或利益，常用来鼓励人们抓住机会，早些开始行动。
This proverb originates from the feeding habits of birds. Birds that wake up early are able to find food first. Therefore, this saying is used to imply that those who start early will have success or advantages, often used to encourage people to take action early and seize opportunities.
-
She always arrives at the office before anyone else; the early bird gets the worm.她总是在其他人之前到达办公室，早起的鸟儿有虫吃。
-
If you want the best deals, remember that the early bird gets the worm.如果你想要最好的交易，记得早起的鸟儿有虫吃。
-
The early bird gets the worm, so I try to wake up at 5 AM every day.早起的鸟儿有虫吃，所以我每天都试图五点起床。
后记
2024年12月11日16点02分于上海。
