跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 55-CSDN博客

本文链接：https://blog.csdn.net/shizheng_Li/article/details/144373700

Most Common American Idioms: Part 55

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。

1081. Stew in your own juices

stew：美 [stuː] 炖（食物）；焖；煨；慢煮

“自食其果” 或 “自作自受”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到烹饪，特别是炖煮食物的时候，食物在自身的汁液中慢慢煮熟。同样，“stew in your own juices” 用来形容某人因为自己的行为或选择而面临困境或烦恼，必须自己承担后果。

This phrase originates from cooking, especially when food is simmering in its own juices to cook. Similarly, “stew in your own juices” is used to describe someone who is facing difficulties or troubles because of their own actions or choices, and has to deal with the consequences themselves.

He made a mistake and now he has to stew in his own juices.他犯了错，现在必须自己自食其果。
After the argument, she let him stew in his own juices for a while.争吵之后，她让他冷静一段时间，自己反思。
They warned him about the risks, but he decided to proceed and now he must stew in his own juices.他们警告过他风险，但他决定继续，现在只能自己承担后果。

1082. Stick out like a sore thumb

sore thumb：拇指痛

“显得非常突兀” 或 “格格不入”。

这个短语直译为 “像一个痛拇指一样突出”，形象地比喻某个事物或人在人群中显得特别扎眼或不协调。痛拇指通常是红肿的，很显眼，所以这个短语用来描述某人或某物显得异常明显或者与周围环境不符。

This phrase translates literally as “protrude like a sore thumb,” vividly illustrating something or someone who stands out awkwardly or is conspicuously different. A sore thumb is usually red and swollen, very noticeable, hence this idiom is used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally conspicuous or out of place.

Her bright red dress stuck out like a sore thumb at the black-tie event.她的红色连衣裙在这场黑领带晚会上显得非常突兀。
In a town full of old buildings, the modern skyscraper sticks out like a sore thumb.在一个满是老建筑的小镇上，这个现代摩天大楼显得格格不入。
If you wear that hat, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.如果你戴那顶帽子，你会显得很突兀。

1083. Stick to your guns

“坚持己见” 或 “坚持立场”。

这个短语源于军事术语，最初指士兵在战斗中的坚守岗位，不放弃自己的火炮或武器。后来演变为日常用语，表示在面对压力和反对时，仍然坚定不移地坚持自己的立场或决定。

This phrase originates from a military term, which referred to soldiers staying at their posts and not abandoning their cannons or firearms during a battle. It later evolved into a common expression in everyday language, meaning to remain steadfast in one’s beliefs or decisions despite pressure or opposition.

Even though everyone disagreed with her, she decided to stick to her guns.尽管所有人都不同意她的意见，她还是决定坚持己见。
It’s important to stick to your guns when you believe in something strongly.当你对某事深信不疑时，坚持立场是很重要的。
He respected her for sticking to her guns during the meeting.他很尊敬她在会议期间坚持己见的态度。

1084. Stick-in-the-mud

“守旧的人” 或 “固执的人”。

这个短语起源于一个形象的比喻：想象一个人被困在泥沼里，无法移动，因此也无法进步。“Stick-in-the-mud” 便用来形容那些故步自封、不愿意接受新事物或改变的人。

This phrase originates from a vivid metaphor: imagine a person stuck in the mud, unable to move and hence unable to progress. “Stick-in-the-mud” is used to describe those who are set in their ways and resistant to new ideas or changes.

Don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud; try something new for a change!别这么守旧；尝试一些新东西吧！
He’s a real stick-in-the-mud when it comes to technology.在科技方面，他真是个固执的人。
My grandfather can be a bit of a stick-in-the-mud, but we love him anyway.我祖父有点守旧，但我们还是很爱他。

1085. Sticking points

“僵持点” 或 “症结点”。

这个短语用来描述一件事情或谈判中的难点、障碍或分歧点，导致其无法顺利进行。其源自物理上东西卡住无法移动的概念，比喻某些关键问题是引发停滞或争执的症结所在。

This phrase is used to describe the difficult, obstructive points in a situation or negotiation that cause it to halt or face complications. It originates from the physical concept of something getting stuck and obstructing movement, metaphorically referring to key issues causing stagnation or disputes.

The main sticking point in the negotiation was the distribution of profits.谈判中的主要症结点是利润的分配。
Budget was a major sticking point in their project planning.预算是他们项目规划中的一个重大僵持点。
They couldn’t agree on the contract terms, which became a sticking point.他们对合同条款无法达成一致，这成为了一个症结点。

1086. Sticky fingers

sticky：黏的；粘的；粘性的；棘手的；难处理的；

“顺手牵羊” 或 “小偷小摸”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到小偷在犯罪时会用手指粘住或拿走一些值钱的物品。因此，“sticky fingers” 形象地描述那些习惯偷取他人物品的人。这个短语通常用来表示有人有偷窃的倾向或习惯，也可以轻松地用于指责别人偷了某样东西。

This phrase originates from the idea that a thief’s fingers become “sticky” when they commit a theft and grab valuable items. Hence, “sticky fingers” vividly describes those who are in the habit of taking things that do not belong to them. It is often used to imply someone has the tendency to steal or to light-heartedly accuse someone of taking something.

The manager noticed that inventory was missing and suspected someone had sticky fingers.经理注意到库存有缺失，怀疑有人顺手牵羊。
You’d better keep an eye on your wallet around Jimmy; he’s known to have sticky fingers.你最好看紧你的钱包，吉米可是出了名的会顺手牵羊。
After the party, several items were missing, and we suspect someone with sticky fingers was among the guests.聚会结束后，几件物品不见了，我们怀疑是有客人顺手牵羊。

1087. Stop on a dime

dime：美 [daɪm] （美国、加拿大的）十分硬币；十分钱

on a dime：立即；迅速地；在很小的空间内；

“刹车迅速” 或 “说停就停”。

这个短语最早出现在美国，通常用来形容一种能够在极其短的距离内快速停止的能力。最初出现在汽车和机械设备的描述中，这个短语形象地表达了在小小硬币（dime）这样的短距离内完成停止动作所需的灵敏度和精确度。如今，它也可以用来形容快速、果断地做出反应或做决定的能力。

This phrase originated in the United States, commonly used to describe the ability of a car or mechanical device to stop quickly within a very short distance. Initially used in the context of vehicles and equipment, the phrase metaphorically conveys the agility and precision required to stop within the space of a dime. Nowadays, it can also describe the ability to make quick and decisive reactions or decisions.

The new sports car can stop on a dime, making it really safe to drive.这辆新的跑车刹车反应很快，开起来非常安全。
Her reflexes are so sharp, she can stop on a dime during an intense tennis match.她的反应特别灵敏，即使在激烈的网球比赛中也能迅速停下。
The CEO is known for his ability to stop on a dime and make important decisions quickly.这位 CEO 因其能够迅速做出重要决定的能力而闻名。

1088. Street-smart

“街头智慧” 或 “见多识广”。

这个短语起源于城市生活中的见多识广以及在街头能应对各种突发情况的能力。它形容一个人通过实际经验而不是书本知识获取的智慧，特别是在大城市里，能很快适应并处理问题。

This phrase originates from city life and the ability to handle various unexpected situations on the streets. It describes a person who gains wisdom through real-life experiences rather than book knowledge, especially in big cities, and can quickly adapt and solve problems.

Growing up in New York, she became very street-smart.在纽约长大，让她变得很有街头智慧。
He’s not book-smart, but he’s extremely street-smart.他不是读书聪明，但他非常有街头智慧。
You need to be street-smart to navigate these crowded markets.你需要街头智慧才能在这些拥挤的市场里游刃有余。

1089. Stretch the truth

“夸大其词” 或 “言过其实”。

这个成语的起源可以追溯到人们在讲述故事或描述事件时，有意或无意地将事实夸大。这种手法通常是为了让故事听起来更加有趣或令人印象深刻。在日常生活中，“stretch the truth” 通常用来描述那些没有完全撒谎，但也没有完全如实描述事情的人。

This idiom originates from the tendency of people to exaggerate stories or events, often to make them sound more interesting or impactful. In daily life, “stretch the truth” is commonly used to describe situations where someone is not exactly lying but is also not telling the complete truth.

He tends to stretch the truth about his achievements.他倾向于夸大他的成就。
To make the story more exciting, she stretched the truth a bit.为了使故事更有趣，她夸大了一点事实。
We know he likes to stretch the truth sometimes, so we don’t take him too seriously.我们知道他有时喜欢夸大事实，所以我们不会太当真。

1090. Strike it rich

“暴富” 或 “突然致富”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪的淘金热时期，当时人们常常会使用 “strike” 来表示发现了一条富矿脉，立即变得富有。因此，“strike it rich” 就表示突然发现了某种财富或机会，迅速致富。

This phrase originated during the 19th-century gold rush era when people would use the term “strike” to denote finding a rich vein of gold, thus becoming wealthy instantly. Therefore, “strike it rich” means suddenly discovering a source of wealth or opportunity, resulting in rapid enrichment.

They think they’ll strike it rich by investing in that startup.他们认为投资那家初创公司会让他们暴富。
Many people dream of winning the lottery and striking it rich.许多人梦想着中彩票而一夜暴富。
He struck it rich when he discovered oil on his land.他在自己土地上发现了石油，从而迅速致富。

1091. String someone along

“吊某人胃口” 或 “一直让某人抱有希望”。

这个短语来源于西方文化中的一种比喻，把人比作线上的木偶，可以操控他们的行为。在这种情况下，“String someone along” 意味着通过承诺或者虚假希望来控制他人，通常是为了从中获利或掌握权力。

This phrase originates from a metaphor common in Western culture, wherein people are compared to puppets on a string, whose actions can be controlled. In this context, “string someone along” means to control someone’s decisions and actions by giving them false hope or promises, typically for personal gain or to maintain an advantage.

He strung her along for months, promising to make her a partner in the business.他几个月来一直吊她胃口，说会让她成为商业伙伴。
It’s cruel to string someone along if you have no intention of following through.如果你没有实际行动的打算，一直吊人胃口是很残酷的。
Stop stringing him along; be honest and tell him the truth.别再吊他胃口了，诚实地告诉他真相吧。

1092. Stuffed shirt

stuffed：塞满的；装满的

“装腔作势的人” 或 “自以为是、古板的人”。

这个短语起源于 18 世纪，原本指的是一种装有填充物的人形模型，用于展示衣服。后来，用来形容那些自以为是、守旧、刻板、喜欢炫耀自己的人，好像他们的内心是 “填充物” 而缺乏真实情感和智慧。

This phrase originated in the 18th century, originally referring to a mannequin stuffed with padding used to display clothes. Later on, it came to describe people who are self-important, old-fashioned, and stuffy, as if their insides are “stuffed” and they lack genuine emotion and wisdom.

He’s such a stuffed shirt, always talking down to others.他真是个装腔作势的人，总是对别人颐指气使。
The meeting was ruined by a couple of stuffed shirts who wouldn’t listen to new ideas.会议被几个不听新想法的古板人物给毁了。
Don’t be such a stuffed shirt; try to relax and have some fun.别那么装腔作势了，试着放松一下，享受乐趣吧。

1093. Swallow your pride

“咽下你的自尊” 或 “放下自尊”。

这个短语的历史可以追溯到 17 世纪，指的是在某些情况下，人们因为需要或面对压力而不得不放下自尊心或自我价值感。这种表达通常用于劝告别人或者自己，在情感上尽量克制或谦让，以达到某个更高的目标或维持和谐关系。

This phrase dates back to the 17th century and refers to situations where individuals must suppress their sense of pride or self-worth due to necessity or pressure. It is often used to advise someone to restrain or humble themselves emotionally to achieve a bigger goal or maintain a harmonious relationship.

He had to swallow his pride and apologize to his boss.他不得不咽下自尊向老板道歉。
Sometimes you need to swallow your pride in order to keep the peace.有时候你需要放下自尊以维持和平。
She had to swallow her pride and ask for help.她不得不放下自尊去寻求帮助。

1094. Sweat blood

sweat：美 [swet] 汗水；辛勤劳动；艰苦工作；

“汗流浃背” 或 “费尽心血”。

这个短语起源于对极度努力和辛苦工作的形象描述。想象一个人因为极度紧张、努力和焦虑，汗水似乎像血一样滴下来。在用语上，“sweat blood” 表达了某人为了完成某件事情而付出的巨大努力、焦虑和苦劳。

This idiom originates from a vivid description of someone working extremely hard and enduring great stress. Imagine a person so intensely nervous, hardworking, and anxious that their sweat symbolizes blood. In common usage, “sweat blood” expresses the enormous effort, anxiety, and toil someone puts into achieving something.

She sweat blood to get her business up and running.她费尽心血才让她的生意顺利起步。
We sweat blood on this project to meet the deadline.为了按时完成这个项目，我们汗流浃背地工作。
He sweats blood over every exam.每次考试他都费尽心血地准备。

1095. Sweating bullets

“汗如雨下” 或 “非常紧张、焦虑”。

这个成语最早可以追溯到 19 世纪美国西部，原意是形容人在极度紧张或害怕时会大量出汗，类似于子弹般大小的汗珠滚落下来。现在常用于形容人在极度压力或恐惧下流汗的情景，但并不仅限于实际流汗，更多的是形容精神上的紧张和焦虑。

This idiom dates back to the 19th-century American West, originally used to describe someone sweating profusely under extreme stress or fear, as if bullets were rolling down their face. Nowadays, it is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is extremely anxious or stressed, not necessarily involving actual sweat but indicating mental stress and anxiety.

He was sweating bullets before his big presentation.在重要的演讲之前，他紧张得汗如雨下。
She started sweating bullets when she couldn’t find her passport.当她找不到护照时，开始紧张得汗如雨下。
Waiting for the exam results had him sweating bullets.等待考试结果时，他紧张得汗如雨下。

1096. Take a rain check

“改天再约” 或 “下次再说”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪的美国棒球比赛。当比赛因雨被取消时，观众会收到一张票，允许他们在以后的比赛中使用。这张票被称为 “rain check”（雨票）。现在，这个表达被用来礼貌地拒绝某个提议，并表示会在将来的某一天再考虑。

This phrase originated in the 19th century in American baseball games. When a game was rained out, spectators would receive a ticket allowing them to attend a future game. This ticket was called a “rain check.” Nowadays, the expression is used to politely decline an offer while indicating the intention to consider it at a future time.

I’m really busy tonight, but can I take a rain check on dinner?我今晚真的很忙，但晚餐可以改天再约吗？
She had to take a rain check on our meeting because she wasn’t feeling well.她因为身体不适，不得不改天再约我们的会议。
Thanks for inviting me, but I’ll have to take a rain check this time.谢谢你的邀请，但这次我不得不改天再说。

1097. Take a shine to something/someone

“对某物/某人产生好感” 或 “对某物/某人喜爱”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪，其原意可能与 “shine”（光亮）相关，表示对某事物产生了特别的兴趣或欣赏，就像光芒吸引人的注意力一样。“Take a shine to” 意味着对某人或某物产生了即时的好感或兴趣。

This phrase originated in the 19th century, and its original meaning likely relates to “shine,” indicating a particular interest or appreciation for something, much like how light draws attention. “Take a shine to” means developing an immediate liking or interest in someone or something.

Sarah seems to have really taken a shine to the new intern.萨拉似乎对新来的实习生特别有好感。
I’ve taken a shine to that new restaurant downtown.我对市中心那家新餐厅特别喜爱。
The puppy took a shine to its new owner immediately.小狗立刻对它的新主人产生了好感。

1098. Take it easy

“放轻松” 或 “别紧张”。

这个短语源自英语中的 “easy”，表示容易、轻松。在日常使用中，“take it easy” 被用来建议别人不要过于紧张、焦虑或者着急，而是保持冷静和放松的态度。这种表达通常用于安抚他人，或提醒对方不必过于担心。

This phrase comes from the word “easy,” meaning simple or relaxed. In everyday use, “take it easy” is used to advise someone not to be too stressed, anxious, or hurried, but instead to remain calm and relaxed. It’s often used to soothe others or remind them not to worry too much.

After working non-stop, you need to take it easy for a while.在连续工作之后，你需要放轻松一段时间。
Take it easy, there’s no rush to finish everything today.放轻松，没有必要今天完成所有事情。
He told her to take it easy before her big speech.他告诉她在重要演讲前放轻松。

1099. Take it with a grain of salt/a pinch of salt

“持保留态度” 或 “有所怀疑地看待”。

这个短语起源于古罗马时代。当时，Pliny the Elder（老普林尼）在他的著作《自然史》中提到，用一粒盐来缓和毒药的效果。现代用法中，这个短语表示对某些信息或陈述不完全相信，需要保留怀疑态度。这通常适用于串行听闻或可能夸大的信息。

This idiom originates from ancient Rome. At that time, Pliny the Elder mentioned in his work “Natural History” that a grain of salt could mitigate the effects of poison. In modern usage, the phrase means to be skeptical about something or to not take it at face value. It is often used when encountering hearsay or potentially exaggerated information.

He told me an incredible story, but I decided to take it with a grain of salt.他给我讲了一个难以置信的故事，但我决定持保留态度。
You should take what he says with a pinch of salt; he’s known to exaggerate.你应该对他的话持保留态度；他是出了名的夸大其词。
When reading online reviews, always take them with a grain of salt.阅读在线评论时，总要持保留态度。

1100. Take someone at their word

“信以为真” 或 “按某人说的去做”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到古代英语，用来表示直接相信某人所说的话，而不做任何怀疑或要求额外的保证。在日常生活中，这个短语通常用来表示信任某人并按照他们说法去行动。

The origin of this phrase can be traced back to old English, used to mean believing what someone says without any doubt or demand for additional guarantees. In everyday life, this idiom often indicates trusting someone and acting according to their words.

When she promised to help, I took her at her word.当她承诺会帮忙的时候，我信以为真。
You shouldn’t always take him at his word; sometimes he jokes around.你不应该总是信以为真，有时候他在开玩笑。
If you tell him you’ll pay him back, he’ll take you at your word.如果你告诉他你会还钱，他会信以为真的。