跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 67

Most Common American Idioms: Part 67

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。

1321. Who do you think you are?

“你以为你是谁？” 或 “你觉得你算老几？”

这个短语常用于表达对对方自大或傲慢态度的不满质疑，询问对方是否自视过高。它通常在感到对方行为或言论超出了某种界限时使用，是一种直接且具有挑衅意味的问句。

This phrase is often used to express dissatisfaction with someone’s arrogance or self-importance, questioning whether the person overestimates themselves. It’s typically used when feeling that someone’s behavior or speech has crossed some boundary, and it is a direct and provocative way to question them.

“You can’t just barge in here and give orders. Who do you think you are?”“你不能就这么闯进来发号施令。你以为你是谁？”
“Who do you think you are? You have no right to criticize me like that.”“你觉得你算老几？你没有权利这样批评我。”
“She looked at him and said, Who do you think you are? You’re not my boss.”“她看着他说，你觉得你是谁？你不是我的老板。”

1322. Whole ball of wax

“整件事情” 或 “全部”。

这个短语的起源不太明确，但一般认为它可能源于 19 世纪中期美国的竞选活动，当时竞选人为了吸引选民，会用蜡球来标记那些投票给自己的人，这些蜡球统称为 “whole ball of wax” 意味就是全部的人或全部的票。逐渐，这个短语被引申为指 “全部” 或是事情的全部范围。

The origin of this idiom is not very clear, but it is generally believed to have come from mid-19th century American political campaigns where candidates used wax balls to mark the people who voted for them, referring to all these wax balls as the “whole ball of wax”. Eventually, this phrase was extended to mean “everything” or “the whole scope of something.”

If we win this contract, we’ll get the whole ball of wax.如果我们赢得这份合同，我们就会得到所有的利益。
When you buy this service, you get the whole ball of wax – technical support, free updates, and maintenance.购买这种服务，你将获得所有的内容 —— 技术支持、免费更新和维护。
He explained the whole ball of wax to me, so I now understand how the process works.他向我解释了整个过程，所以我现在理解这个程序是如何运作的。

1323. Wild and woolly

woolly：美 [ˈwʊli] 毛制的；含羊毛的；毛的

“狂野而毛茸茸” 或 “未开化的、粗犷的”。

这个短语起源于 19 世纪美国西部的拓荒历史。最初用于描述西部地区未开化、混乱且充满冒险的环境。如今，它常用于形容某些地方或情形混乱、不受约束或未被现代文明影响，有时也含有活力和趣味的意味。

This phrase originates from the 19th century American West’s frontier history. It was initially used to describe undeveloped, chaotic, and adventurous environments of the western territories. Today, it is often used to describe places or situations that are chaotic, unrestrained, or untouched by modern civilization, sometimes also implying a sense of vibrancy and excitement.

The party last night was wild and woolly; no one knew what would happen next.昨晚的派对非常狂野且不可预测，没人知道接下来会发生什么。
He loves to tell stories about the wild and woolly days of the gold rush.他喜欢讲述淘金热时期那些狂野而混乱的日子。
The new city felt wild and woolly compared to the small town he grew up in.与他成长的小镇相比，新城市显得疯狂而不受拘束。

1324. Will take place

“将会发生” 或 “将会进行”。

这个短语常用于说明某个事件、活动或情况在未来会发生。它是一个比较正式的表达，适用于各种计划、安排和预告，包括会议、活动、演出等。

This phrase is commonly used to indicate that an event, activity, or situation will happen in the future. It is a more formal expression and is suitable for planning, scheduling, and announcements such as meetings, events, performances, etc.

The meeting will take place on Monday.会议将于周一举行。
The concert will take place at the city hall.音乐会将在市政厅举行。
The event will take place rain or shine.无论晴雨，活动都会进行。

1325. Wine and dine

dine：美 [daɪn] 进餐；用餐；吃晚饭；

“款待” 或 “盛情款待”。

这个短语起源于较早的英语中，用 “wine”(葡萄酒) 和 “dine”(进餐) 来表达通过美酒佳肴来招待客人。如今，这个表达通常用来描述通过精致美食和饮品来招待或取悦他人，尤其是在商务场合或为了赢得某人的青睐时。

This phrase originates from earlier English, where “wine” and “dine” were used to express entertaining guests with good food and drinks. Today, it is commonly used to describe the act of entertaining or pleasing someone, especially in a business context or to gain someone’s favor.

He wined and dined his prospective clients at the fancy restaurant.他在豪华餐厅款待了潜在客户。
They were wined and dined by the hosts during their visit.在他们参观期间，主人盛情款待了他们。
She enjoys being wined and dined at the finest places in town.她喜欢在城里最好的地方享受款待。

1326. Winging it

“即兴发挥” 或 “临时应付”。

这个短语来源于戏剧领域，最初是指那些没有充分排练、靠在舞台后面迅速学习台词，然后即兴表演的演员。他们在舞台背后的 “翼” 区域准备，因此有了这个说法。在现代用法中，它广泛适用于尚未做好充分准备而即兴完成任务的情境。

This phrase originates from the theater, where it referred to actors who had not rehearsed enough and had to quickly learn their lines in the wings (the areas of the stage out of sight of the audience) and then perform impromptu. In modern usage, it broadly applies to situations where someone acts without full preparation and improvises.

I forgot my speech notes, so I had to wing it during the presentation.我忘了带演讲稿，只好在演讲期间即兴发挥。
She didn’t study for the test and decided to wing it instead.她没有准备考试，决定即兴应付。
We had no rehearsal, so we just winged it at the wedding ceremony.我们没有排练，所以在婚礼上只能即兴发挥。

1327. With bated breath

“屏息以待” 或 “焦急地等待”。

这个短语最早出现在莎士比亚的作品《威尼斯商人》中，其中 “bated” 是一个古老的形式，来源于 “abated”，意为 “减弱、抑制”。“屏息以待” 描述的是一种焦急、期待的情绪，人们在等待某些重要事情时，甚至呼吸都似乎变得短促和紧张。

This phrase first appeared in Shakespeare’s work “The Merchant of Venice,” where “bated” is an archaic form derived from “abated,” meaning “lessened, restrained.” It describes a feeling of anxious or eager anticipation, where people seem to hold their breath in suspense while waiting for something significant.

She waited with bated breath for the results of the competition.她屏息以待地等待比赛结果。
Everyone in the room was listening with bated breath as the announcement was made.在宣布结果的时候，房间里所有人都屏息而听。
We watched the final moments of the game with bated breath.我们屏息以待地观看比赛的最后时刻。

1328. With bells on

“全副武装” 或 “兴高采烈地”。

这个短语源自于 19 世纪的美国。当时骑车的人们在马车上装上铃铛，以显示他们的兴致与热情，因此 “with bells on” 代表着一种满怀期待或做足准备的状态。

This idiom originates from 19th-century America, where people would attach bells to their carriages to show their enthusiasm and excitement. Therefore, “with bells on” represents a state of being eagerly prepared or highly enthusiastic.

I’ll be at the party with bells on!我会兴高采烈地参加派对！
Count me in for the trip; I’ll be there with bells on.算上我这次旅行，我会非常积极地参加。
She showed up with bells on ready to help with the event.她全副武装地出现，准备好帮忙组织活动。

1329. With flying colors

“取得优异成绩”、“出色完成任务” 或 “凯旋而归”。

这个短语源自于航海传统。在航海历史中，当一艘船成功完成任务并顺利返回港口时，会高高悬挂着旗帜，展示其卓越的成就和荣誉。这个短语后来被引申到其他场合，表示某人出色地完成了某个任务或取得了优异成绩。

This phrase originates from nautical traditions. In maritime history, when a ship successfully completed a mission and returned to port, it would fly its flags high, showcasing its excellent achievements and honor. This phrase was later extended to other contexts to mean someone has accomplished a task with great success or achieved outstanding results.

She passed the exam with flying colors.她以优异的成绩通过了考试。
The team completed the project with flying colors.团队出色地完成了这个项目。
He graduated from college with flying colors.他以优异的成绩从大学毕业。

1330. Wolf in sheep’s clothing

“披着羊皮的狼”。用来形容那些表面和善，内心险恶的人。

这个短语源自于《新约圣经》的〈马太福音〉，其中有句警告说 “要防备假先知，他们来到你们这里，外面披着羊皮，里面却是残暴的狼。” 这个成语揭示了警惕表面看似无害的人，因为他们可能内心潜藏着恶意。它主要用于描述那些伪装善意、实际上却心怀不轨的人。

This phrase originates from the New Testament (Matthew 7:15), which warns to “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” The idiom highlights the importance of being cautious with people who might appear kind and harmless outwardly but have malevolent intentions. It is primarily used to describe someone who disguises true intentions beneath a friendly exterior.

He seemed so friendly, but it turned out he was just a wolf in sheep’s clothing.他看起来如此友善，但结果他不过是只披着羊皮的狼。
The new CEO was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, pretending to care about employees while planning massive layoffs.新任 CEO 看起来关心员工，但实际上计划大规模裁员，是个披着羊皮的狼。
Don’t be fooled by his charm; he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.别被他的魅力蒙骗了，他是个披着羊皮的狼。

1331. Work against the clock

“争分夺秒” 或 “争取时间”。

这个短语起源于需要在规定的时间内完成某项任务或工作，以免超过最后期限。它形象地表示一个人与时间赛跑，尽可能迅速地完成任务。用于描述时间紧迫，必须高效工作以完成目标的情境。

This phrase originates from situations where tasks or work need to be completed within a given timeframe to avoid missing a deadline. It vividly illustrates the concept of racing against time to get things done as quickly as possible. It is used to describe scenarios where time is limited and one must work efficiently to meet objectives.

The doctors had to work against the clock to save the patient’s life.医生们不得不争分夺秒地抢救病人的生命。
We’re working against the clock to complete the project before the deadline.我们正在争分夺秒地完成项目以赶在最后期限之前。
With the test approaching, students are working against the clock to study all the material.考试临近，学生们正争分夺秒地学习所有资料。

1332. Worth one’s salt

“值得某人的盐” 或 “某人称职”。

这个短语起源于古罗马时期，士兵们通常会用盐作为薪酬的一部分，因为盐在古时候非常珍贵和重要。能够 “值盐” 的人意味着他是有价值和值得付出这样报酬的人。这一表达用来形容某个人在其工作或职责范围内非常称职、值得其薪水或报酬。

This phrase originates from ancient Rome, where soldiers were often paid with salt, which was very valuable and important at the time. Being “worth one’s salt” means that a person is valuable and deserving of such compensation. This expression is used to describe someone who is very competent and worth their wages or rewards in their job or duties.

Any chef worth their salt knows how to prepare a perfect steak.任何称职的厨师都知道如何准备一份完美的牛排。
She is definitely worth her salt in managing complex projects.她在管理复杂项目方面绝对称职。
No accountant worth their salt would overlook such an error.没有一个称职的会计会忽视这样的错误。

1333. Wouldn’t be caught dead

“打死也不愿做某事” 或 “绝不愿意被看见做某事”。

这个短语意思是说一个人非常强烈地不愿意被看到做某件事，甚至表示他们在任何情况下也不愿意做这件事。这个短语的来历比较模糊，但可以理解为夸张地表示对某件事情的极端反感或拒绝。

This phrase means someone is so strongly opposed to doing something that they wouldn’t even be seen doing it in any condition. The origin of this idiom is rather obscure, but it can be understood as an exaggerated way to express extreme dislike or refusal for a certain action.

He wouldn’t be caught dead wearing those old-fashioned shoes.他打死也不会穿那些过时的鞋子。
She wouldn’t be caught dead eating at that restaurant again.她打死也不会再去那家餐馆吃饭了。
I wouldn’t be caught dead listening to that band’s music.我打死也不会去听那个乐队的音乐。

1334. Wouldn’t hurt a fly

“连只苍蝇都不愿伤害” 或 “特别温和仁慈”。

这个短语来源于人们对温和仁慈的人的描述，意味着这个人心地善良，甚至不愿伤害一只苍蝇。在西方文化中，苍蝇常被认为是微不足道的生物，连伤害它们都不愿意的人，通常被认为是极为善良和温和。这个短语常用于形容一个极其平和、无害的人。

This phrase originates from descriptions of gentle and kind-hearted people, implying that the person is so kind that they wouldn’t even hurt a fly. In Western culture, flies are often considered insignificant creatures, thus someone who wouldn’t harm them is viewed as exceptionally kind and gentle. This idiom is often used to depict someone who is extremely peaceful and harmless.

John is the sweetest person; he wouldn’t hurt a fly.约翰是最甜蜜的人；他连只苍蝇都不愿伤害。
Even when he’s angry, he wouldn’t hurt a fly.即使他生气时，他也连只苍蝇都不愿伤害。
She looks tough, but in reality, she wouldn’t hurt a fly.她看起来很强硬，但实际上她连只苍蝇都不愿伤害。

1335. Wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole

“避之不及” 或 “完全不想碰”。比喻对于某事或某物的强烈回避或拒绝。

这个短语源于在过去人们使用长杆子保持安全距离，避免接触某些不希望接触的事物。如同我们用十英尺长的杆子远离某个东西一样，这个成语表达了对于某事物的强烈回避态度。

This phrase originates from the past when people used long poles to keep a safe distance from things they didn’t want to touch. Just like using a ten-foot pole to avoid something, this idiom expresses a strong aversion or unwillingness to engage with something.

That investment seems too risky; I wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.那项投资看起来太危险了，我避之不及。
I heard some bad reviews about that restaurant, so I wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.我听到一些关于那家餐馆的差评，所以我完全不想去。
He has such a shady reputation that I wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole.他名声这么差，我避之不及。

1336. Wrap your head around something

“理解某事” 或 “弄清楚某事”。

这个短语的字面意义是 “把头缠绕在某物上”，实际意思是用脑袋围绕某个想法或概念思考，从而理解它。本短语在英语中用来描述理解一些难以理解的或复杂的事情。

来历

“Wrap your head around something” 的确切起源不详，但其通过比喻的方式表达了理解或吸收信息的过程。它通常用在谈论一些需要集中思考才能理解的问题上。

适用场合

这个短语适用于面对复杂的想法、抽象的概念或新的信息时，希望表达需要一些时间和努力去完全理解的时候。

It took him a while to wrap his head around the new software program.他花了一段时间才弄清楚这个新软件。
I can’t wrap my head around why they made that decision.我无法理解他们为什么做出那个决定。
She needs to wrap her head around the fact that things have changed.她需要理解事情已经发生了变化这个事实。

1337. X marks the spot

“X 标记了地点” ，表示某个确切的位置或目标。这一短语通常用于寻宝或解决谜题时，表示地图上的 X 符号揭示了藏宝或关键点。

这个短语源自古代和现代地图学的方法，特别是在寻宝图上，X 符号常常用于标记宝藏所在的位置。在现代使用中，通常用作比喻来表示明确的地点或目标。

This phrase originates from ancient and modern cartography methods, especially where treasure maps often use an X symbol to mark the location of treasure. In contemporary usage, it is often used metaphorically to indicate a specific spot or target.

The treasure map shows that X marks the spot where the gold is buried.藏宝图显示 X 标记了埋藏黄金的位置。
In solving the puzzle, she realized that X marks the spot where the clue is hidden.在解谜时，她意识到 X 标记了线索隐藏的地方。
When hiking, our guide told us that X marks the spot for the best viewpoint.在徒步旅行时，我们的导游告诉我们，最佳观景点就在那个 X 标记的位置。

1338. You bet

“当然” 或 “你说得对”。

这个短语表示强烈的肯定或同意，类似于中文的 “没错” 或 “当然了”。它通常用来回应他人的问题或陈述，表示完全赞同或确认。这个表达非常口语化，适用于非正式的交流中。在二十世纪初，这个短语就已经被广泛使用，如今在美式英语中依然很常见。

This phrase signifies strong affirmation or agreement, similar to saying “Absolutely” or “Certainly” in English. It is often used to respond to someone’s question or statement, indicating full concurrence or confirmation. This expression is very colloquial and typically used in informal communications. It has been widely used since the early 20th century and remains common in American English today.

“Will you be at the party tonight?”“你今晚会去派对吗？”“You bet!”“当然！”
“You bet I’m going to get that job!”“我当然会去争取那份工作！”
“Do we have tickets for the concert?”“我们有音乐会的票吗？”“You bet!”“当然有！”

1339. You can bet your boots

“你可以肯定” 或 “你可以赌上你的全部”（表示对某事有完全的信心）。

这个短语源自美国西部，当时靴子被认为是非常重要的财物之一。一个人如果把他的靴子都拿来打赌，那么说明他对赢得这场赌局非常有信心。因此，这个表达用来表示对某事的绝对信心。

This phrase originates from the American West, where boots were considered a crucial part of one’s possessions. If someone was willing to bet their boots, it indicated they were extremely confident about winning the bet. Thus, the expression is used to denote complete confidence in something.

You can bet your boots that she’ll be on time.你可以肯定她会准时到的。
When he says he’ll finish the project by Friday, you can bet your boots he will.当他说他将在周五完成这个项目时，你可以肯定他会做到。
If they offer a discount, you can bet your boots I’ll be the first in line!如果他们提供折扣，你可以肯定我会第一个排队！

1340. You can bet your bottom dollar

“你可以打包票” 或 “你完全可以相信”。

这个习语源于赌博或投注的情景。在赌桌上，“bottom dollar” 指的是你的最后一块钱，表示你愿意用你最后的金钱去下注，意味着你非常确信某事会发生。因此，这个短语在现代用于表示对某件事情有非常高的信心，适合用在你要向对方强调一个十分肯定的观点的时候。

This idiom originates from gambling or betting scenarios. “Bottom dollar” refers to your last dollar, which implies that you are so sure about something that you are willing to risk your last bit of money. Therefore, this phrase is used in modern contexts to express strong confidence in something, and it is fitting when you want to emphasize a point you are very certain about.

You can bet your bottom dollar that she’ll be at the party tonight.你可以打包票她今晚一定会参加派对。
I’ll bet my bottom dollar this project will be a success.我敢打包票这个项目会成功。
You can bet your bottom dollar that the weather will be great for the weekend.你完全可以相信这个周末的天气会很好。