【1355个俚语完结】跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 68

Goal Completed

2024年12月11日22点25分完成这本书的学习。习得1355个俚语，尽管有些记得不牢，但是好在走在路上，一直往前走。后面就是多重复，多练习。

查看自己commit的日志，是从2024年11月15日开始学习这本书，总共历经将近一个月的时间。这就是带时间戳的好处之一，方便回溯。

Most Common American Idioms: Part 68

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。

1341. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink

“你可以带马到水边，但不能强迫它喝水。” 这个成语比喻你可以为某人提供机会或资源，但不能强迫他们接受或利用。最终决定权还是在他们自己手中。

这个短语起源于中世纪的英国，最早可以追溯到 1175 年的古英语文献。它常用于强调无论我们多么努力地提供帮助或建议，最关键的行动还是需要对方自己去完成。

This idiom originates from medieval England, dating back to as early as 1175 in Old English literature. It is commonly used to stress that no matter how hard we try to provide assistance or advice, the essential action must still be taken by the other person.

• I gave her all the tools to succeed, but she still failed. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.我给了她成功所需的所有工具，但她仍然失败了。你可以带马到水边，但不能强迫它喝水。

• We provided him with the best education, but he dropped out. It’s true that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.我们提供了最好的教育，但他还是退学了。确实是你可以带马到水边，但不能强迫它喝水。

• I advised him to apply for the job, but he didn’t. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.我建议他申请那份工作，但他没有。你可以带马到水边，但不能强迫它喝水。

1342. You can say that again

“你说得很对” 或 “我完全同意”。

这个短语来源于对某人的话表示强烈认同，其含义是对方的话值得重复一遍以示强调。例如，当你非常同意某人的观点时，就可以用这个短语来表示你的强烈认同。

This phrase originates from expressing strong agreement with what someone has said, indicating that the statement is worth repeating for emphasis. For instance, when you strongly agree with someone’s opinion, you can use this phrase to signify your endorsement.

• “The weather has been terrible today.” “You can say that again!”“今天的天气真糟糕。” “你说得很对！”

• “It’s been a long week.” “You can say that again.”“这周真漫长。” “你说得没错。”

• “These prices are outrageous.” “You can say that again.”“这些价格太离谱了。” “我完全同意。”

1343. You can’t have your cake and eat it too

鱼与熊掌不可得兼。

这个成语的意思是，有些事情由于它们本质上的冲突，无法同时拥有，必须做出选择。这个短语可以追溯到 1546 年的谚语，用于说明做选择时的两难境地，意在告诉人们无法对立的两件事物同时兼得。

This idiom means that some things are inherently conflicting and cannot be possessed simultaneously; one must make a choice. The phrase dates back to a proverb in 1546, depicting the dilemma of making choices, implying that it’s impossible to have two opposing things at the same time.

• You can’t invest all your money and still have it saved; you can’t have your cake and eat it too.你不能既把钱全部投资，又保持存款；鱼与熊掌不可得兼。

• He wants the promotion without working hard. Well, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.他想要升职却不愿意努力工作。嗯，鱼与熊掌不可得兼。

• Marrying someone rich but not loving them? Sometimes, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.嫁给一个不爱的有钱人？有时候，鱼与熊掌不可得兼。

1344. You can’t judge a book by its cover

“人不可貌相，海水不可斗量”，即不要以表面来评价某事物或某人。

这个短语出自 19 世纪的一本书《The Mill on the Floss》，作者乔治·艾略特（George Eliot）在小说中写到 “不要从封面来判断一本书，因为封面只是展示的表象”，而真正的内容需要深入其中才能了解。现如今，这个短语常用来提醒人们不要以貌取人，或不要仅凭外表来判断某件事物的好坏。

This phrase originated from the 19th-century book “The Mill on the Floss” by George Eliot, who wrote that one should not judge a book by its cover as the cover is merely the superficial presentation, while the true content requires deeper exploration. Nowadays, this idiom is commonly used to remind people not to judge others by appearances or to assess things based on superficial traits.

• The old house may look shabby, but you can’t judge a book by its cover. It is beautifully decorated inside.这间旧房子可能看起来很破旧，但你不能以貌取人。它里面装饰得很漂亮。

• He might seem quiet and reserved, but you can’t judge a book by its cover.他可能看起来安静而内向，但你不能根据外表来判断一个人。

• You can’t judge a book by its cover. She might look unassuming, but she’s very talented.你不能仅凭外表来判断一个人。她可能看起来不起眼，但她非常有才华。

1345. You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs

omelet：美 [ˈɑːmlət] 煎蛋卷；蛋饼；炒蛋；鸡蛋烧

“做大事必有牺牲” 或 “想要有所成，就必须付出代价”。

这个短语出自俗语，隐喻了在实现目标的过程中，可能会有一些不可避免的损失或牺牲。它通常被用来指出，为了取得成功，有时必须接受一些负面的结果或不便。

This saying originates from a proverb, metaphorically implying that achieving a goal may involve some unavoidable losses or sacrifices. It’s commonly used to underline that, to succeed, one sometimes has to accept some negative consequences or inconveniences.

• To build the new road, several houses had to be demolished. You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.为了修建新的道路，几栋房子不得不被拆除。做大事必有牺牲。

• Starting your own business might mean working long hours initially, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.创业初期可能意味着要长时间工作，但想要有所成，就必须付出代价。

• Implementing new policies will face some resistance, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.在推行新政策时会遇到一些阻力，但想要有所成，就必须付出代价。

1346. You can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip

turnip： 美 [ˈtɜːrnɪp] 芜菁；蔓菁根菜类植物

“榨不出萝卜血” 或 “没有办法从石头里榨出水来”。

这个短语源于一种明显不可能的任务：你不可能从一个萝卜中榨出血来。这意味着如果某样东西或某人本身没有某种特性或资源，就不可能从中获取这种特性或资源，用于强调某事根本不可能，或强人所难没有意义。

The phrase originates from an obviously impossible task: you cannot squeeze blood from a turnip. It means that if something or someone doesn’t have a certain quality or resource, it’s impossible to extract it from them, emphasizing that a particular action or task is fundamentally impossible, or that it is pointless to try to force something that cannot be realistically achieved.

• Trying to get a confession out of him is like trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip.想让他承认就像试图从萝卜里榨出血一样。

• You can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip; there’s no way they can pay that much money.你不可能从萝卜里榨出血，他们无论如何也付不起那么多钱。

• Asking for extra resources from the team right now is like trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip.现在向团队要额外资源就像是从萝卜里榨血一样。

1347. You can’t take it with you

“身外之物，生不带来，死不带去。” 或 “钱财乃身外之物，带不走。”

这个短语出自圣经 《约伯记》 的一句名言 “大限来时，尽皆空无” (Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return)，意指在世拥有的一切，无论是财富还是物质财产，最终都不能带到墓地。这句话常用来提醒人们珍惜眼前，拒绝一味追求物质财富。

This phrase originates from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Job, which states “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.” This idiom is used to remind people that material possessions are temporary and cannot be taken with them after death, encouraging them to focus on more meaningful aspects of life.

• He amassed a great fortune, but in the end, you can’t take it with you.他积累了很多财富，但最终，这些钱财都是身外之物，带不走。

• You can’t take it with you, so it’s better to spend your money enjoying life.钱财都是身外之物，所以还不如花钱享受生活。

• You can’t take it with you, so focus on love and relationships instead.钱财带不走，还是多关注亲情和感情吧。

1348. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

“你无法教年老的狗新把戏” 或 “本性难移”。

这个短语的起源可以追溯到 16 世纪，最早出现在英国的谚语中。它的意思是说，老年人或者习惯根深蒂固的人很难接受新的思想或改变行为。即使经过训练，也很难让这些人学会新技能或者改变他们的习惯。

This phrase can be traced back to the 16th century, first appearing in English proverbs. It means that it’s difficult for elderly people or those with deeply ingrained habits to accept new ideas or change their behavior. Even with training, it’s challenging to make these individuals learn new skills or change their ways.

• My grandfather refuses to use a smartphone; you know what they say, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.我爷爷拒绝使用智能手机，大家都知道，本性难移。

• After years of doing things his way, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.多年如一日地按自己的方式做事，他很难改掉这个习惯。

• Jane tried to get her dad to eat healthier, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.简试图让她爸爸吃得更健康，但本性难移。

1349. You get what you pay for

“一分钱一分货” 或 “便宜没好货”。

这个短语的意思是你为一件商品或服务支付多少费用，就会得到相应水平的质量或服务。起源于商业哲学，它警示消费者不要期望廉价商品会有高质量，付出多少努力或金钱，就得到相应的回报。

This phrase means the amount of money you pay for a product or service is an indicator of its quality. Originating from commercial philosophy, it warns consumers not to expect high quality from cheap goods. It emphasizes that you receive a return proportional to the effort or money you put in.

• I bought those cheap shoes, and now they’re falling apart. I guess you get what you pay for.我买了那些便宜的鞋，现在已经坏掉了。看来真的是一分钱一分货。

• The service at that budget hotel wasn’t great, but you get what you pay for.那家经济型酒店的服务并不好，但便宜没好货。

• If you want high-quality products, be prepared to pay more because you get what you pay for.如果你想要高质量的产品，就要准备多付一些钱，因为一分钱一分货。

1350. You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar

vinegar： 美 [ˈvɪnɪɡər] 醋

“温言软语比武力威逼更能说服人” 或 “好话比恶语更能感动人”。

这个短语起源于现实生活中的一个常识：蜜糖比醋更能吸引苍蝇。在比喻意义上，它强调了温和、友善的态度比强硬、刻薄的方式更容易让别人接受和同意你的观点或要求。

This phrase originates from the common knowledge that honey is more effective at attracting flies than vinegar. Figuratively, it emphasizes that a kind and gentle approach is more likely to win people over than a harsh or abrasive attitude.

• Try to be nicer when asking for help. You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.在请求帮助时试着更友善些。温言软语比武力威逼更能说服人。

• Her husband learned that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar when dealing with customers.她丈夫在和客户打交道时发现，好话比恶语更能感动人。

• The manager’s policy is simple: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.经理的政策很简单：好话比恶语更能感动人。

1351. You’re telling me

“你这不是废话吗” 或 “这点我还不知道啊”。

这个短语表示对方说的事情是显而易见的，通常用来表示强烈的赞同和理解。它起源于口语中的一个夸张表达，表示对对方所说的事情非常了解，甚至可能比对方知道得更多。这个表达最早出现在 20 世纪，常用于口语交流中。

This phrase is used to express strong agreement or acknowledgment of an obvious fact. It originated from colloquial speech to exaggerate the speaker’s familiarity with the topic, implying they may know more about it than the other person. It first appeared in the 20th century and is commonly used in everyday conversation.

• “This traffic is terrible!” “You’re telling me.”“这交通真糟糕！” “你这不是废话吗。”

• “Mondays are the worst.” “You’re telling me.”“星期一是最糟糕的。” “这点我还不知道啊。”

• “This project is going to be tough.” “You’re telling me.”“这个项目会很难。” “你这不是废话吗。”

1352. You’ve sold me

“你说服我了” 或 “我被你打动了”。

这个短语的起源来自于销售术语，当买家被说服购买产品或服务时会说 “You’ve sold me”。这个词组现在被广泛用来表示某人已经被某个想法或计划说服，无论是购买某样东西还是接受某种观点。

This phrase originates from sales terminology, where a buyer would say “You’ve sold me” when they are convinced to purchase a product or service. Nowadays, it is commonly used to indicate that someone has been convinced by an idea or plan, whether it’s about buying something or accepting a viewpoint.

• Okay, you’ve sold me on the idea of taking a weekend trip.好吧，我被你说服了，去周末旅行吧。

• With all those benefits, you’ve sold me on getting a gym membership.有那么多好处，我决定办健身房会员卡。

• You’ve sold me on trying that new restaurant; let’s go tonight!你说服我了尝试那家新餐馆，今晚就去吧！

1353. Your guess is as good as mine

“我也不知道” 或 “我和你一样猜不透”。

这个短语表示说话者和对方一样对某个问题没有答案或解释。它起源于 17 世纪，表达了双方在某个不确定或未知的问题上处于同样的困惑状态。

This phrase indicates that the speaker is as clueless as the person they are speaking to regarding a certain question or issue. It originates from the 17th century, where it conveyed that both parties were equally puzzled by an uncertain or unknown matter.

• When will the project be finished? Your guess is as good as mine.项目什么时候完成？我也不知道。

• What’ll be on the exam tomorrow? Your guess is as good as mine.明天考试考什么？我和你一样猜不透。

• How is the weather going to be next week? Your guess is as good as mine.下周的天气会怎样？我也不知道。

1354. Zero tolerance

“零容忍”。

这个短语起源于刑法和政策领域，用以描述对某种行为不容忍的态度，完全不允许违反，通常伴随着严格的执行措施。在现代社会，“zero tolerance” 被广泛用于各种情境中，表示对某一种行为或态度绝不妥协或容忍。

This phrase originates from the legal and policy realm, describing an attitude of not tolerating certain behaviors at all, often accompanied by stringent enforcement measures. In modern society, “zero tolerance” is widely used in various contexts to signify an uncompromising or non-tolerant stance towards something.

• The school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying.学校对于欺凌行为采取零容忍政策。

• Our company practices zero tolerance towards harassment.我们公司对骚扰行为采取零容忍政策。

• There is a zero tolerance rule for misconduct in this organization.这个组织对不当行为有着零容忍规则。

1355. Zip it

“闭嘴” 或 “安静”。

这个短语通常用于非正式场合，要求对方停止说话，源自于拉链的动作。可以想象把嘴像拉链一样拉上，从而不再说话。它通常带有一点严厉或者严肃的语气，因此需要注意使用的场合。

This phrase is often used in informal contexts to tell someone to stop talking. It originates from the action of zipping a zipper. You can imagine closing your mouth like a zipper, thus speaking no more. It usually carries a somewhat stern or serious tone, so be mindful of the context in which you use it.

• The teacher told the noisy students to zip it during the lesson.老师叫吵闹的学生在上课期间闭嘴。

• If you can’t say anything nice, then zip it.如果你不能说点好话，那就闭嘴吧。

• He was about to reveal the surprise, but she quickly told him to zip it.他差点泄露惊喜，但她赶紧叫他闭嘴。

后记

2024年12月11日22点24分周三于上海。完成这本书的学习。