身體的多種用途

在美國英語里，有許多常用俚語是由身體部位字眼構成。

Session II: The Body Has Many Uses(身體的多種用途)

1. Get in Someone's Hair = bother someone

可以用 get in someone's hair來表達麻煩某人意思，就象鉆到某人的頭發(fā)里，讓人厭煩一樣。

范例對話:

A: Children! Would you please stop making so much noise! And for heaven's sake, pick up your clothes and toys! It's hard enough trying to keep this house clean without your throwing your things all over the place!

B: Clara, I know that the children get in your hair, but you should try not to let it upset you so much.

A: Listen, Jim. I can't help it. The children bother me and make me very angry when they're so noisy and messy.

2. Tongue-In-Cheek = not serious

舌頭沒有放正，表示某人不是認真的。

范例對話:

A: Why were you teasing Sonia about her new hairdo? She really took offense at what you said.

B: I didn't mean to offend her. I was simply making a tongue-in-cheek remark when I said that it was too elaborate for a girl of her young, tender age.

A: Well, she thought you were serious. She had no idea that you were just saying that as a joke.

B: I'm really sorry. I suppose I owe her an apology.

3. Pull Someone's Leg = fool someone

完全沒有中文抱大腿、溜須拍馬或扯后腿的意思，本短語在美語里是愚弄某人的意思。

范例對話:

A: Hey, Al.I was invited to be a judge for the Miss America Beauty Pageant!

B: Oh, really? Come on, you're pulling my leg!

A: No, honestly. Do you really think that I'm trying to fool you with a ridiculous story?

B: Well, you've told me foolish stories before.

A: I can assure you that this one is for real.

4. Stick Out One's Neck = take a risk

把脖子伸出去，在美語中是去冒險的意思。

范例對話:

A: How come they're asking me to act as their guide through the jungle?

B: Evidently they think you're the only one who can lead them to the lost temple.

A: That jungle has danger lurking around every corner. Why should I stick my neck out for them? They didn't pay me for my services.

B: They know that you would be taking a great risk and could possibly get hurt, but you're the only one with enough knowledge to take them to their destination. I'm sure you'll be amply rewarded.

5. Get Off Someone's Back = stop bothering someone

從某人的背上下來，表示停止麻煩某人。

范例對話:

A: Hey, John. I'm bored. Come on, let's go out and do something.

B: Sorry, I'm right in the middle of studying for a physics exam. I won't be able to make it tonight.

A: You've been studying for a long time. Why don't you take a break? Come on! Let's go! Forget studying for a while!

B: Look! Get off my back!I can't go anywhere!

A: OK. I'll stop bothering you only if you promise to let me know the minute you're finished.