口语惯用语

    口语惯用语

    Lesson 20 In the Swing of Things (新环境)

    Dialogue

     Mike: I'm going to get a promotion.
                 
Pam: You're pulling my leg!
                 
Mike: No. I deserve it. (我应该得到提升)I worked my fingers to the bone.
                 
Pam: I'm glad they give you a break.
                
 Mike: Finally things are looking up for me. I'm taking on more responsibility.
                 
Pam: Now you have to get in the swing of things and learn the  ropes.
                 
Mike: It'll be a breeze. I'm really cut out for this work.(我确实能胜任这份工作)

    Vocabulary

     Pull someone's leg v.) trick, playfully tease, fool
                 
    Work one's fingers to the bone v.) work very hard
                 
    Give someone a break v.) give someone an opportunity or chanceLook up v.) improve, get betterTake on v.) begin to handle, commit oneself to, accept
                
    Get in the swing of things v.) adapt or adjust to a new  environment Learn the ropes v.) acquire special knowledge of a job A breeze n.) easy Cut out adj.) suited to, have talent for

     Lesson 21. A Hustler (利欲熏心的人)

     Dialogue

    Pat: He's pretty sharp when it comes to feathering his own  nest. (捞起钱来他倒是很精明的)
                 
    Bob: He's a hustler who's out to make a fast buck.(他是个有空就钻,利欲熏心的人) And he makes it hand over fist.
                
     Pat: He'll try to put the bite on you by telling you a cock and bull story. (他会编瞎话来向你借钱)
                 
    Bob: He has a snowball's chance in hell. I'm not a soft touch.

     Vocabulary

    sharp adj.) smart, witty, quick-thinkingfeather one's nest v.) obtain extra money, often dishonestly. through one's job or positionhustler n.) person who gets money aggressively or unethicallyfast buck n.) money obtained easily and often unethicallyhand over fist adv.) rapidly put the bite on someone v.) ask for a loan of money cock and bull story n.) an exaggerated or false storya snowball's chance in hell n.) no chance at allsoft touch n.) one who gives money easily when asked