美語訓(xùn)練班109

A: 歡迎大家來到這期的美語訓(xùn)練班! 我是楊琳!

B: 我是Mike! 楊琳，來告訴大家今天都要學(xué)什么!

A: 好! 今天，我們要一起來聊聊環(huán)保有什么好方法，看看如何用地道美語表達(dá)符合標(biāo)準(zhǔn)，還要告訴你怎么說上當(dāng)受騙!

B: Yeah, economic development is important, but at the cost of the environment.

A: Speaking of the air quality of my hometown Beijing, I definitely agree with you.

B: Well, we are going to learn some useful tips about that later in the show. Now let's go ahead with our first segment:

A: Learn a word!

Learn A Word 1756 fall for

今天我們要學(xué)的詞是 fall for. Fall for, fall is spelled f-a-l-l, fall, for is spelled f-o-r, for, fall for. To fall for 有上當(dāng)?shù)囊馑迹^去時是 fell for。Don't fall for that! He is just playing a prank on you. 他在拿你惡作劇，別上當(dāng)。That was such an old trick. I cannot believe I actually fell for it. 這是老把戲了，簡直不敢相信我居然會上當(dāng)。有統(tǒng)計數(shù)字顯示，美國有兩千五百多萬成年人都曾被騙局迷惑，成為受害者。The Internet is the most common place for victims to fall for scams. 互聯(lián)網(wǎng)是受害者上當(dāng)受騙最多的地方。好的，今天我們學(xué)習(xí)的詞是 fall for, fall for, fall for...

A: Yeah, I agree that you need to be very careful with the Internet, especially if you do your banking online.

B: You can say that again. One time I got involved with this online charity to help kids in Africa, and I donated 5% of my paycheck for 6 months. When I was getting ready to go to Africa with the group, the contact person just disappeared! That's was the moment of the truth. It was a total scam.

A: Aww...I'm sorry Mike. Yeah, things like that make me think twice about doing things on the Internet. 不過啊，你這個不幸的經(jīng)歷倒是說出了一個美國人常用的俗語: the moment of the truth! 咱們來聽今天的美國習(xí)慣用語，看看這個詞兒的用法!

Words and Idioms 839 Moment of Truth

美國習(xí)慣用語第 839 講

上星期，是我婆婆七十大壽。我專門給她烤了一個生日蛋糕。因為第一次做，心里一點(diǎn)譜都沒有，雖然蛋糕看上去樣子還不錯，但是吃到嘴里味道如何，就不知道了。這么關(guān)鍵時刻在英語里叫

M: Moment of truth. Moment is spelled m-o-m-e-n-t, and truth; t-r-u-t-h. Moment-of-truth. Moment of truth.

Moment 在中文里是時刻，truth 在中文里是真相。moment of truth 就是說最終得知一件事情是否會如愿成功的意思，特別是指一件你投入了極大努力的事情。所以，對我來說，第一口蛋糕吃到嘴里的那一刻，就是 the moment of truth. 還好，我初戰(zhàn)告捷，蛋糕香濃可口，受到了公婆的一致表揚(yáng)。下面例子里這個高中生，正用急切的心情等待 the moment of truth. 讓我們一起聽聽看。

M: "Algebra didn't come easy to me. But I knew I had to pass the class in order to graduate. Throughout the semester, I met my teacher after school for extra help and studied real hard for tests. My MOMENT OF TRUTH came when my grades arrived. I got a B, which was good enough to earn my diploma!"

這個學(xué)生說：代數(shù)對我來說很難，但是我知道，要想畢業(yè)，代數(shù)考試就一定得及格。整個一個學(xué)期，我下課后都要找老師補(bǔ)習(xí)，為準(zhǔn)備考試做出了很大的努力。考試成績發(fā)下來的關(guān)鍵時刻到了，結(jié)果我得了個 B，讓我順利過關(guān)，拿到了畢業(yè)證書。

這就叫工夫不負(fù)有心人。我有個朋友，用了大半年的時間幫她爸爸造船。船刷好漆后，就等著下水了。I was there for their MOMENT OF TRUTH. 結(jié)果竟然大功告成。去年夏天，我還跟他們一起出去遠(yuǎn)航過好幾次呢!好的，讓我們再來聽聽上面那段話。

M: "Algebra didn't come easy to me. But I knew I had to pass the class in order to graduate. Throughout the semester, I met my teacher after school for extra help and studied real hard for tests. My MOMENT OF TRUTH came when my grades arrived. I got a B, which was good enough to earn my diploma!"

我們上面談到的幾個例子，關(guān)鍵時刻 MOMENT OF TRUTH 來到的時候，結(jié)果都是令人滿意的。但是下面這個例句里的小伙子，卻碰了一鼻子灰。讓我們一起聽聽他的遭遇。

M: "I'd been going out with Kerry for months. We seemed to share similar interests and values. In my mind, she was the perfect woman for me. So I decided that the time had come to ask her if she'd marry me. It was the MOMENT OF TRUTH; a day I'll never forget because she turned me down."

這個人說：我跟凱莉約會已經(jīng)好幾個月了。我們好象有很多共同的愛好和價值觀。我覺得，她是最適合我的女人。所以我決定，鼓起勇氣，向她求婚。這可是緊要關(guān)頭。我永遠(yuǎn)也忘不了這一天，因為她拒絕了我。

Ouch! 太殘忍了。或許這個女孩子還沒有做好安定下來的準(zhǔn)備。我妹妹就是這個樣子，總是朝三暮四。有一次，她心血來潮買了一條金魚回家養(yǎng)，結(jié)果到家后才意識到，原來養(yǎng)魚是一份很大的責(zé)任，所以馬上把金魚退了回去。我們再聽一下上面的例句。

M: I'd been going out with Kerry for months. We seemed to share similar interests and values. In my mind, she was the perfect woman for me. So I decided that the time had come to ask her if she'd marry me. It was the MOMENT OF TRUTH; a day I'll never forget because she turned me down."

Moment of truth 這個習(xí)慣用語其實是從西班牙語翻譯過來的，美國著名作家海明威在1932年出版的小說《午后之死》里第一次用到了這個習(xí)慣用語。如今，你又多掌握了一個習(xí)慣用語，可以把它用在口頭、寫作和電子郵件里。只要多學(xué)多練，you're sure to sound like a native when your MOMENT OF TRUTH arrives. 到了關(guān)鍵時刻，你的英語聽上去絕對地道。

好的，這次美國習(xí)慣用語就到此結(jié)束了。

M: Until next time.

下次節(jié)目再見。

M: This has been Words and Idioms.

A: Exactly! 這就是我們中國人說的，臺上一分鐘，臺下十年功嘛! 歡迎同學(xué)們每期關(guān)注我們的美語訓(xùn)練班，這樣....

B: it's like what my dad always says "Prior planing prevents poor performance" !

A: 沒錯! 對了對了，上次咱們說到節(jié)能，我回家就把我們家的燈泡都換了! The moment of truth is going to come when I get my utility bill this month....

B: I'm sure it'll be fine! In today's business etiquette, we will continue this topic. Now let's follow Tim for some useful tips in branding your company as "Green"!

禮節(jié)美語Go Greenpart II

公司總裁 Tim 召集部門經(jīng)理開會，討論節(jié)能措施。

Tim: Morning everyone. As promised, we are returning to our topic from a fortnight ago: How can we make this firm more "green?" I'm sure you all remember environmental consultant Henry Peterson who has joined us here today.

Henry: Hello and good morning.

Dana & Faith: Hi, Henry. Nice to see you again.

H: Thanks. Great to see you all. As a quick re-cap, last time we discussed ways to save electricity and reduce office waste. And we also talked about buying carbon credits when traveling on business trips.

根據(jù)兩周前的約定，from a fortnight ago，公司總裁 Tim 再次邀請節(jié)能專家 Henry 參加會議，商討公司節(jié)能措施。Henry 簡要回顧了上次討論的內(nèi)容，包括省電、減少辦公物資的浪費(fèi)，購買碳信用額彌補(bǔ)環(huán)保損失等。Henry 說的 a quick re-cap, r-e-c-a-p, re-cap 意思是總結(jié)概述。

F: Yeah, I've already started implementing those ideas in my division. It's only been two weeks, but I'd say most people are getting the hang of it.

H: That's great! Ok, then...have you done your homework? Who's discovered some other ways this company can save?

Faith 說，她已經(jīng)開始試行一些措施，短短兩個星期，most people are getting the hang of it. 大多數(shù)人已經(jīng)慢慢習(xí)慣。to get the hang of it 是掌握的意思。Henry 問，have you done your homework? 有沒有事先做好準(zhǔn)備，意思是有沒有想到更多的節(jié)能措施。

D: I want to talk about packaging. We use some very nice-looking plastic clamshell packaging, but I'm thinking we could cut down on the packaging and cut both our expenses and our carbon footprint.

H: Yes, I see what you mean. These days many products are over-packaged. But if you can accept using fewer materials or use mainly recycled materials you could then advertise how "green" your company is.

Dana 提到產(chǎn)品包裝，她覺得，如果簡化包裝，不用 plastic clamshell packaging 硬塑料殼包裝，就能減少開支和污染。Henry 補(bǔ)償說，如果公司采用回收材料 recycled materials，還可以用環(huán)保做宣傳。

F: But is it ethical to use environmental issues in advertising?

T: I'd vote "yes." As long as the claim is verifiable, it can be advertised.

D: Yeah, I'd agree. People have a right to know if you are trying to help solve the problem or simply contributing to it.

H: This is a company. Companies need to make a profit. I believe there is business sense in going green and telling the world about it. Many customers will appreciate your efforts and might even pay a tad bit more if they really believe your company is doing its best to help the environment.

Faith 提出，在廣告里打環(huán)保牌是否符合行業(yè)道德。總裁 Tim 覺得沒有問題，只要內(nèi)容屬實，as long as the claim is verifiable. Verifiable 是可以證實的意思。Henry 也說，There is business sense in going green and telling the world about it. 采取環(huán)保措施，并且加以宣傳是符合商業(yè)理念的。很多顧客會認(rèn)可你的努力，appreciate your efforts, 即使你的產(chǎn)品比別人貴一點(diǎn)，也沒有關(guān)系。They might even pay a tad bit more. A tad bit 是一點(diǎn)的意思。

A: 公司總裁Tim請了節(jié)能專家Henry來給大家出謀劃策，短短兩個星期的節(jié)能實踐，people are getting the hang of it, 大家已經(jīng)掌握了節(jié)能的生活方式。Henry提議說，可以在包裝上做文章，采用recycled material，回收材料，這樣公司還可以用環(huán)保來宣傳。

B: It definitely makes good business sense in going green and telling the world about it. =

A: 沒錯。就拿我自己來說，如果我看見一件皮衣寫明沒有使用動物皮毛做成，我愿意出更高的價錢來買。也是這個道理!

B: Yep. In the following episode, Henry is talking about giving people some incentives to live a more environmental- friendly life. Let's check it out!

禮節(jié)美語Go Greenpart IV

公司總裁 Tim 召集部門經(jīng)理開會，討論節(jié)能措施。

F: I know it might sound like an old-fashioned idea, but what about some kind of a carpooling program?

T: You know, that just might work for a few of our departments. I know a few of the marketing guys live pretty close to each other.

H: Ah! But now we come to a problem. How do we convince people to sign up for a program that will ━ at least mildly─inconvenience them?

D: I have to confess, if you asked me to volunteer, I'd turn you down.

H: Sure. So would I. So we can't rely on the kindness of people's hearts. We're not bad people, we're just busy people.

Faith 提議，可以考慮拼車計劃 carpooling program。Henry 指出，拼車會給大家?guī)聿槐?，inconvenience them, 問題是如何說服大家加入。sign up for something 是報名參加的意思。

T: I think I get your point. You're talking about a fundamental motivator. What Henry's saying is that people need an incentive.

H: Bingo! For the past few years, several companies have been experimenting with paying employees a tiny fee to carpool, use public transport or cycle. One organization in Florida pays twenty cents a mile.

D: Huh. I'd consider riding my bicycle if I was getting paid. That's like getting paid to work out!

總裁 Tim 說，I get your point. 我明白你的意思了。Henry 是說要給大家一些好處 incentive 。Henry 說，Bingo! 這在口語里很常用，意思是沒錯!對了!他說，過去幾年，一些公司試著用小額獎金的方式，鼓勵員工拼車，坐公車或是騎車上班。 Dana 覺得這個主意不錯，從員工的角度看，既鍛煉了身體，又能拿獎金。

H: Yeah! The company has to consider the fee as an investment in carbon reduction and in workers' health. Less driving means less stress.

T: It's a very interesting idea. But I think you're right....without an incentive, it's doomed to failure.

H: It might seem like a lot of hassle and in the end you might only get a few people to change their commuting habits, but just to put it into perspective, here's a fact from planetgreen.com: If every commuter car in the U.S. carried just one more person, the nation would save 8 billion gallons of gas.

T: It really adds up, doesn't it? Thanks for the tips, Henry. I think we got a lot of food for thought today.

公司要把這筆錢看成是減少廢氣排放，促進(jìn)員工健康的投資?？偛?Tim 表示贊同，without an incentive, it's doomed to failure. 如果沒有好處，這個項目一定會失敗。 Henry 說，雖然聽上去好象挺麻煩，It might seem like a lot of hassle 而且最后可能只有幾個人會改變上班的交通方式，但如果美國每輛上班用的車?yán)锒级嘧粋€人的話，美國就能節(jié)省80億加侖的汽油。It really adds up.

A: I think carpooling is the way to go in DC! The traffic here is terrible, but if you choose to carpool, you can drive in the carpool lane, which is way faster during rush hour!

B: That's true. Plus it helps reduce your carbon footprint, and coworkers can bond while they sit in the car together!

A:沒錯! 還能省油錢，簡直一舉三得! (excited)

B: Alright alright, I know you're trying to find a carpool buddy, but I'm not your guy. (A: Sigh) Now let's go ahead with our program, another learn a word!

Learn A Word 1760 nonstop

今天我們要學(xué)的詞是 nonstop. Nonstop is spelled n-o-n-s-t-o-p, nonstop. Nonstop 意思是不停歇的，不間斷的。They have been working nonstop since this morning. 他們從今天早上開始，一直在不停地工作。The movie is packed with nonstop action. 這個電影從頭到尾都是動作場面。The case received nonstop coverage by the media. 媒體對這起案件進(jìn)行了毫不間斷的報道。Delta Airlines will launch its first nonstop flight between Shanghai and Seattle in June. 達(dá)美航空公司六月份開啟從上海到西雅圖的直飛航線。好的，今天我們學(xué)習(xí)的詞是 nonstop, nonstop, nonstop...

A: I don't know how I feel about nonstop flight. Last time I took the nonstop flight from DC to Beijing, I was stuck in the cabin for 14 hours! I think I prefer to stop somewhere and actually breathe for a bit.

B: I think the airline you choose also makes a difference. I flew with ANA one time. Everything was perfect, the meal was delicious, the seat was comfortable and the service was great. They definitely cut the mustard for nonstop flights!

A: Cut...the mustard? 這個詞兒真有意思! Does it actually have something to do with mustard?

B:Well, let's find out in today's words and idioms!

Words and Idioms 840 Cut the Mustard

美國習(xí)慣用語第 840 講

上星期商店大甩賣，我買了個咖啡壺，樣子雖然很好看，但是質(zhì)量卻不咋地。剛用不到一個星期，就開始漏水，而且煮咖啡的時候噪音也很大。我決定馬上把它退回去。這倒讓我想起了今天要學(xué)的習(xí)慣用語

M: Cut the mustard. Cut is spelled c-u-t, and mustard; m-u-s-t-a-r-d. Cut-the-mustard. Cut the mustard. .

動詞 cut 在中文里是切割的意思，mustard 是芥末的意思。直譯顯然說不通。其實啊，cut the mustard 這個習(xí)慣用語的意思就是符合標(biāo)準(zhǔn)、符合要求。我剛買的那個咖啡壺，顯然不符合我的要求。It simply does NOT cut the mustard. 下面這個例子里的消費(fèi)者，對新買的手機(jī)很不滿意，因為 it does not cut the mustard. 讓我們聽聽他是怎么說的。

M: "The sales agent convinced me to buy my cell phone. But I haven't been impressed with its service. It drops calls and takes forever to recharge. What I really need is a phone that's much more dependable. This one just does NOT CUT THE MUSTARD."

他說：賣手機(jī)的推銷員說服我買了這部手機(jī)，但是手機(jī)質(zhì)量讓我很不滿意，電話打到一半經(jīng)常斷線不說，充電還需要很長時間。我需要一部隨時可以靠得住的手機(jī)，這部手機(jī)不符合我的要求。

這個人錯就錯在不應(yīng)該輕信那個推銷員的話，結(jié)果跟我一樣，買了個質(zhì)量拙劣的產(chǎn)品。在美語里面，這種質(zhì)量偽劣的產(chǎn)品有一種說法，叫 LEMON, l-e-m-o-n. 比如說，我姐夫的新車就是 LEMON。他因為貪圖便宜，買了這輛車，結(jié)果開了不到半年，就大修了兩次，花了很多錢。好在美國有專門的 LEMON LAWS，保護(hù)消費(fèi)者利益。我姐夫恐怕要好好研究一下這些法律，因為 His car does not cut the mustard. 好的，讓我們再來聽聽上面那段話。

M: "The sales agent convinced me to buy my cell phone. But I haven't been impressed with its service. It drops calls and takes forever to recharge. What I really need is a phone that's much more dependable. This one just does NOT CUT THE MUSTARD."

不過，質(zhì)量不過關(guān)的也并不都是產(chǎn)品，有的時候，不符合標(biāo)準(zhǔn)和要求的可能也會是某個人。讓我們一起聽聽下面這個例子。

M: "After my niece had trouble finding work, I managed to get her a position as an administrative assistant at my office. What a mistake! Not only was she slow, but she was rather lazy. After two weeks, I had to let her go because she could NOT CUT THE MUSTARD."

這個人說：因為我侄女找不到工作，所以我就在自己的辦公室給她安排了一個行政助理的職務(wù)。這簡直是天大的錯誤。她不僅做事慢慢騰騰，而且懶得要命。兩個星期過后，我只好請她走人，因為她無法達(dá)到我們的要求。

給親戚朋友安排工作，很容易遇到這種棘手的狀況。值得說明的是，cut the mustard 也可以用于肯定某個人或是某件事。比如說，我們公司的老板準(zhǔn)備給一個在我們這里實習(xí)的學(xué)生轉(zhuǎn)正，因為 He can really CUT THE MUSTARD. 他已經(jīng)達(dá)到了正式員工的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)。好的，我們再來聽一下上面那個例句。

M: "After my niece had trouble finding work, I managed to get her a position as an administrative assistant at my office. What a mistake! Not only was she slow, but she was rather lazy. After two weeks, I had to let her go because she could NOT CUT THE MUSTARD."

很多人想知道，CUT THE MUSTARD 這個習(xí)慣用語的來歷。在這個問題上，語言學(xué)家們眾說紛紜。有人認(rèn)為這個習(xí)慣用語來源于芥末的制作程序;另外一些人則認(rèn)為是從 pass mustard 轉(zhuǎn)變而來的。If those explanations are NOT CUTTING THE MUSTARD for you, you'll have to wait until we have conclusive research. 如果上面的解釋不能讓你滿意的話，那你就只好等待更深入的研究后得出結(jié)論了。

好的，這次美國習(xí)慣用語就到此結(jié)束了。

A: Yeah...I guess it's about time that I find a partner that can actually cut the mustard....

B: Hey, you beat me to it!

A:.....好了同學(xué)們，這次節(jié)目時間就到這里了。

B: Tune in next time for American English Mosaic!

A: See you next time!