跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 34

Most Common American Idioms: Part 34

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。

661. In the least

“一点也不” 和 “根本不”。

此成语起源于英语中 “least” 一词，表示最小程度。短语 “in the least” 用于否定句中，强调即使是最小程度上也不认同或发生某事。“in the least” 所表达的常常是对一种态度、感觉或情况的彻底否定。

This idiom originates from the English word “least,” meaning the smallest degree. The phrase “in the least” is used in negative sentences to emphasize that something is not true or does not happen to even the smallest extent. It often conveys a complete negation of a certain attitude, feeling, or situation.

I’m not worried in the least about the exam.我对考试一点都不担心。
She didn’t seem tired in the least after the long journey.长途旅行之后，她看起来一点也不累。
If you’re in the least unsure, you should ask for help.如果你有一点点不确定，你就应该寻求帮助。

662. In the long run

“从长远来看” 或 “长期而言”。

这个短语表达的是考虑到未来较长的一段时间内的发展和结果，而不是只看眼前的情况。它强调的是事物的长期效果或结果，而非即时的或短期的影响。

This phrase emphasizes looking at the future over a longer period of time, considering the extended outcome and development of situations, rather than focusing only on the immediate results or short-term impacts.

In the long run, investing in education pays off.从长远来看，投资于教育是值得的。
Cutting corners might save money now, but in the long run, it could cost more.现在投机取巧可能省钱，但从长远来看，它可能会花更多钱。
Exercise and a healthy diet are important for your health in the long run.锻炼和健康饮食对于你的长期健康很重要。

663. In the loop

“在圈内” 或 “知情”。

这个短语源自商业和组织中的沟通网络，形象地表示一个人是消息链条的一部分。从而意味着该人能够及时获取到重要信息，处于消息了解和传递的环节中。在现代社会，此短语常用来描述那些对某一事件或进程拥有最新信息和充分了解的人。

This phrase originates from communication networks within businesses and organizations, figuratively indicating a person as part of the information chain. It means the person can receive timely and important information, being in the loop of awareness and communication. In modern usage, this idiom often describes those who are well-informed about a particular event or process.

I need to stay in the loop about the project’s progress.我需要随时了解项目的进展情况。
Make sure she is in the loop on all the key decisions.确保她了解所有关键决策。
If you’re not in the loop, you might miss important updates.如果你不在圈内，你可能会错过重要更新。

664. In the nick of time

“千钧一发” 或 “在紧要关头”。

这个短语起源于早期英语中的 “nick”，意指一个准确的小切口或记号。在时间管理中，“nick” 代表一个关键的瞬间，因此 “in the nick of time” 表示在最关键的时刻及时赶到，避免了某种不好的结果。

This phrase originates from early English where “nick” meant a precise notch or mark. In terms of time, “nick” represents a critical moment, so “in the nick of time” means to arrive or act at the last possible moment to avoid something bad.

The firefighters arrived in the nick of time to save the building from burning down.消防员在紧要关头赶到，才避免了大楼被烧毁。
She submitted her application just in the nick of time before the deadline.她在截止日期前，千钧一发地提交了申请。
He caught the train in the nick of time, just as the doors were closing.他在紧要关头赶上了火车，正好在车门关闭时上车。

665. In the pink

“身体健康” 或 “身心俱佳”。

这个短语源自 17 世纪，最早在文献中由威廉·莎士比亚使用。它的原意是指鲜花盛开时的那种最佳状态。后来，“in the pink” 开始被用来形容健康或处于最佳状态的情况。

This idiom originated in the 17th century and was first used in literature by William Shakespeare. Originally, it referred to the peak condition of flowers blooming. Eventually, “in the pink” came to describe being in good health or in an optimal state.

After a few weeks of recovery, he’s finally in the pink again.经过几周的恢复，他终于再次身体健康了。
She exercises every day to stay in the pink.为了保持身体健康，她每天都锻炼。
Eating a balanced diet helps you stay in the pink.均衡饮食有助于你保持身心健康。

666. In the red

“赤字” 或 “亏损”。

这个短语起源于会计术语，当一家公司记录负的现金流或亏损时，会用红色墨水来表示。因此，“in the red” 被用来表示公司或个人财务状况不佳，处于亏损状态。

This phrase originates from accounting terminology where negative cash flow or losses were recorded in red ink. Therefore, “in the red” is used to describe a company or individual in a poor financial state, facing losses.

After a bad year, the company found itself in the red.经历了糟糕的一年后，公司发现自己处于亏损状态。
If we keep spending like this, we’ll be in the red soon.如果我们继续这样花钱，很快就会陷入赤字。
The business went in the red due to poor management.由于管理不善，业务陷入了亏损。

667. In the sticks

“乡下” 或 “偏远的地方”。

这个短语来源于描述人烟稀少、远离城市的乡村或森林地区。通常带有 “偏远” 的意味，指那些离城市中心很远的地方，可能交通不便，设施相对落后。这个表达有时也带有一些幽默或调侃的色彩。

This phrase originates from describing sparsely populated, rural, or forested areas far from city centers. It typically carries the connotation of being “remote,” indicating places far from urban conveniences and development. Sometimes, this expression is also used with a touch of humor or playful exaggeration.

She moved to a small house in the sticks to get away from the city noise.她搬到乡下的一座小房子里，以远离城市的喧嚣。
He always complains about living in the sticks as it’s hard to get good internet.他总是抱怨住在乡下，因为很难有好的网络。
They decided to have their wedding in the sticks for a more rustic feel.他们决定在乡下举办婚礼，以获得更质朴的氛围。

668. In the way

“挡道” 或 “妨碍”。

这个短语的字面意思是某物或某人挡在路上，阻碍了前进的道路。在日常生活中，它常用来形容有人或某些事物妨碍了某人完成某事。

The phrase literally means that something or someone is in the path, obstructing the way forward. In everyday life, it is often used to describe someone or something that is hindering or obstructing someone from accomplishing something.

The boxes are in the way, we need to move them.这些箱子挡道了，我们需要把它们搬开。
He always feels like his big sister is in the way when he’s trying to concentrate.当他试图集中注意力时，总觉得姐姐是个妨碍。
Don’t leave anything in the way of the entrance.不要在入口处放任何挡道的东西。

669. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings

“事情还没到最后一刻，还未见分晓” 或 “在最后结果出来之前，事情都有变数”。

这个短语出自歌剧背景，用以表示在事情结束之前，不要轻易下结论。具体来说，歌剧中通常在最后一幕登场的角色是一位丰满的女高音歌手，这意味着演出正式结束之前，一切结局都还未定。

This phrase originates from the opera, suggesting that one should not assume the outcome of an event until it is formally concluded. Specifically, in operas, the final act often features a prominent soprano, typically portrayed by a larger woman, and her performance signifies the conclusion of the show.

Don’t be discouraged by the score; it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.不要被分数吓倒，事情还未到最后一刻。
We still have a chance to win; it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.我们还有赢的机会，事情还未见分晓。
Keep pushing until the end because it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.要坚持到最后，因为结果还未见分晓。

670. It is a poor workman who blames his tools

workman：工匠；男工人；工人；技工

“拙匠常怨工具差”。这句谚语意思是说，一个技术差的人总是把原因归咎于工具或外部条件，而不是反省自己的能力问题。正如一个高明的工匠即使工具不好，也能做出好的作品，真正有能力的人不会找借口。

这个谚语起源于工匠和手艺人的工作，当他们不能胜任时，常常会抱怨工具不好用。而实际上，真正的高手无论面对什么样的工具，都可以完成任务。因此，这样的表达用来强调内在能力的重要性，而不是依赖外部条件。

This idiom originates from craftsmen and artisans who often blamed their tools when they couldn’t do their work well. In reality, a skilled craftsman can work effectively regardless of the tool’s condition. Thus, this expression underscores the importance of one’s internal skills rather than external conditions.

He complained that the computer was slow, but it’s a poor workman who blames his tools.他抱怨电脑很慢，但拙匠常怨工具差。
Before blaming the equipment, remember that it’s a poor workman who blames his tools.在抱怨设备之前，记住拙匠常怨工具差。
Sarah was frustrated with her old paintbrushes, but her teacher reminded her that it’s a poor workman who blames his tools.莎拉对她的旧画笔感到沮丧，但她的老师提醒她拙匠常怨工具差。

671. It is always darkest before the dawn

“黎明前的黑暗” 或者 “最黑暗的时刻往往在黎明到来之前”。

这个短语起源于对自然现象的观察，即夜晚最黑暗的时刻通常是黎明破晓之前。它用来比喻在最艰难、最困难的时刻之后，情况会开始好转，光明和希望即将到来。

This phrase originates from the natural observation that the darkest part of the night is right before dawn. It is used metaphorically to suggest that in the most difficult or challenging times, things will get better soon, and hope or a new beginning is near.

Remember, it’s always darkest before the dawn; things will get better soon.记住，黎明前总是最黑暗的；情况很快就会好转。
Even though things are tough now, it’s always darkest before the dawn.即使现在情况很糟糕，黎明前总是最黑暗的。
Don’t lose hope; it’s always darkest before the dawn.不要失去希望，黎明前总是最黑暗的。

672. It takes one to know one

“半斤八两” 或 “彼此彼此”。

这个短语最早起源于人们对彼此性格或行为特点的相互认同，意思是只有同类的人才能辨认出同类。例如，如果一个人被称为 “骗子”，而另一个人指出这一点，那么这个人也很可能具备相似的特点。在现代用法中，这个短语通常用于回应他人的批评或指责，暗示对方和自己其实是同一类人，具有相同的缺点或问题。

This phrase originates from the idea that only someone with similar traits or behavior can recognize those traits in someone else. For example, if someone calls another person a “liar,” it might be implied that the accuser is familiar with lying too. In modern usage, it’s often used as a retort to criticism or accusation, suggesting that the accuser shares the same flaws or problems.

“You’re so lazy.” “Well, it takes one to know one.”“你真懒。”“彼此彼此！”
“He’s so arrogant.” “It takes one to know one.”“他真傲慢。”“半斤八两。”
“You’re always late!” “It takes one to know one!”“你总是迟到！” “彼此彼此！”

673. It takes two to tango

tango：英 [ˈtaŋɡəʊ] 探戈；探戈舞；

“一个巴掌拍不响” 或 “两人才能跳探戈”。

这个短语源自探戈这种舞蹈形式，其特点是需要两个人配合才能完成。引申来说，它表示某事的成功或失败，通常需要双方共同努力或有共同责任。这是一种形象的说法，其意味是某些情况是由至少两个人共同促成的，单方面是无法解决问题或达成目标的。

This phrase originates from the dance form of tango, which requires two dancers to perform. By extension, it means that the success or failure of an action often depends on the cooperation or mutual effort of two parties. It’s an idiomatic way to suggest that certain situations are the result of actions by at least two people and cannot be resolved or achieved by one person alone.

Don’t blame just one person for the argument; it takes two to tango.不要只责怪一个人引起争论，一个巴掌拍不响。
If this project is going to succeed, it takes two to tango.如果这个项目要成功，两人必须合作。
Remember, in any partnership, it takes two to tango.记住，在任何伙伴关系中，需要双方共同努力。

674. It’s a piece of cake

“轻而易举的事” 或 “非常简单的事情”。

这个俗语起源于 20 世纪初的美国，“piece of cake” 是指某些特定的竞赛中获胜的奖品 —— 蛋糕 —— 于是这个短语逐渐演变成一种口语用法，用以表示某事非常容易完成。类似于中文中的 “小菜一碟”。

This idiom originates from early 20th century America, where “piece of cake” referred to a prize in certain competitions — a cake. Over time, it evolved into a colloquial expression used to indicate that something is very easy to accomplish, similar to the Chinese expression “小菜一碟”.

Don’t worry about the test; it’s a piece of cake.别担心考试；这简直小菜一碟。
Fixing this bike is a piece of cake for me.修理这辆自行车对我来说简直轻而易举。
Compared to the problems we faced last year, this one is a piece of cake.和我们去年面对的问题相比，这个简直太容易了。

675. It’s a scorcher

scorcher：美 [ˈskɔrtʃər] 大热天；炎热的日子；

“这是个大热天” 或 “今天真是特别热”。

这个表达源自于单词 “scorch”，意思是 “烧焦” 或 “烤焦”。当形容天气时，意味着非常炎热的温度，仿佛整个地面都被烤焦了。在炎热的夏天，特别是阳光强烈的日子，“it’s a scorcher” 常用来表示高温难忍的天气状况。

This expression derives from the word “scorch,” which means “to burn” or “to sear.” When describing the weather, it implies extremely hot temperatures, as if the ground itself is being scorched. This idiom is typically used on hot summer days when the sun is particularly strong, indicating unbearably high temperatures.

It’s a scorcher today; let’s make sure to stay hydrated.今天真是特别热，我们一定要确保多喝水。
We picked the wrong day for a hike — it’s a scorcher out there.我们选错了日子去远足，外面简直热得受不了。
It’s a scorcher, so the beach is crowded with people trying to cool off.今天特别热，海滩上挤满了想要凉快一下的人。

676. It’s crunch time

crunch：（会议、体育竞赛等）至关重要的

“关键时刻” 或 “紧要关头”。

这个短语起源于体育比赛、军事行动和商界，指的是时间非常紧迫，必须全力以赴完成某项任务的时刻。在现代英语中，“crunch time” 用于形容任何需要集中所有力量完成的紧急时刻，不限于某一个领域。

This phrase originates from sports, military operations, and the business world, referring to a critical period when time is running out, and one must give their maximum effort to complete a task. In modern English, “crunch time” is used to describe any urgent moment requiring intense focus and effort, across various fields.

With the project deadline tomorrow, it’s crunch time for the whole team.项目明天就到截止时间了，现在是整个团队的关键时刻。
It’s crunch time before the final exams, so I’m studying all night.临近期末考，现在是关键时刻，我要通宵学习。
The election is next week; it’s crunch time for the candidates.选举下周就要举行了，现在是候选人的紧要关头。

677. It’s in the bag

“十拿九稳” 或 “胜券在握”。

这个短语起源于 20 世纪初，用来表示某件事情已经确保成功或安全达成，仿佛某样东西已经安全地放在袋子里，不再可能有任何丢失的风险。如今，它常用于表达对未来某件事极有信心，确信会成功或得到的情况。

This phrase originated in the early 20th century to indicate that something is assured to succeed or be safely accomplished, much like something that is securely placed in a bag, eliminating the risk of loss. Today, it is commonly used to express confidence that something will definitely succeed or be obtained.

The deal is practically in the bag; we just need to sign the papers.这笔交易几乎已经十拿九稳了，我们只需要签文件就行了。
Once he scored the third goal, the victory was in the bag.当他打进第三个球时，胜利已经胜券在握。
Don’t worry about the job interview; it’s in the bag.不用担心这次工作面试，胜券在握。

678. It’s no skin off my nose

“与我无关” 或 “对我没有影响”。

这个短语最早出现在 20 世纪初的英国，原意是比喻某件事对自己没有实际的损伤或影响。它通常用来表达某人对某件事情无所谓，或觉得这件事不会对自己的情绪、利益产生影响。

This phrase originated in early 20th-century Britain. It was a figurative way of saying that something does not cause actual harm or impact. It’s often used to express indifference or indicate that something won’t affect one’s emotions or interests.

You can take the last slice of cake; it’s no skin off my nose.你可以拿最后一块蛋糕，与我无关。
If he wants to leave the team, it’s no skin off my nose.如果他想离开球队，对我没有影响。
Whether you choose to go or stay, it’s no skin off my nose.无论你选择去还是留，这与我无关。

679. It’s not rocket science

“这并不复杂” 或 “这并不是难事”。

这个短语通常用来表示某件事并不难理解或完成，不需要很高的技术或智力水平。其起源可以追溯到 20 世纪中期，当时 “火箭科学” 被认为是高度复杂和技术含量很高的领域。因此，用 “这不是火箭科学” 来形容某事容易理解或简单 to be 实践。

The phrase “It’s not rocket science” is used to convey that something is not difficult to understand or do, and does not require high technical skill or intelligence. The origin goes back to the mid-20th century when rocket science was considered an extremely complex and high-tech field. Therefore, saying “it’s not rocket science” implies that something is straightforward or simple in comparison.

You can definitely fix the sink yourself; it’s not rocket science.你完全可以自己修理水槽，这并不复杂。
I don’t understand why you’re so confused; filing taxes isn’t rocket science.我不明白你为什么这么困惑，报税并不是难事。
Managing a simple budget isn’t rocket science.管理一个简单的预算并不复杂。

680. It’s raining cats and dogs

“倾盆大雨” 或 “大雨滂沱”。

这个短语的起源并不十分明确，但有几种解释。其中一种理论认为，这个表达来源于老英国的一个习俗，即在暴风雨之后，街道上会出现死去的猫和狗，因为它们无处避难而被冲走。另一种解释则认为这个短语来自于北欧神话，猫和狗分别代表着风和雨，从而描述暴风雨的猛烈程度。现在，这个短语通常用来形容下大雨的时候。

The origin of this phrase is not very clear, but there are several explanations. One theory suggests it comes from an old English practice where, after heavy storms, dead cats and dogs would be found on the streets because they had no shelter and were washed out. Another explanation is that it comes from Norse mythology, with cats and dogs symbolizing wind and rain, respectively, thus describing the intensity of the storm. Currently, this phrase is used to describe very heavy rain.

Don’t forget your umbrella, it’s raining cats and dogs out there!别忘了带伞，外面正在下倾盆大雨！
We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.我们不得不取消野餐计划，因为当时正在下倾盆大雨。
I got completely drenched; it started raining cats and dogs as soon as I stepped outside.我被淋得透湿；我一出门就开始下倾盆大雨。