習語集錦【8】

1. Half an eye

　　— a quick look 一看就明白

　　Example: The new teacher could see with half an eye that Jim was going to have trouble with some boys who disagreed with him.

　　2. Half-and-half

　　— as much one thing as the other

　　— 不好也不壞；差強人意的

　　Example: That much-publicised movie was neither good nor bad; it was just half-and-half.

　　3. Half-baked idea

　　— an idea that has not been properly thought out

　　— 考慮不周的唸頭

　　Example: I don't think it wise to adopt his half-baked idea unless it is further developed.

　　4. I would if I could but I can't

　　— I would like to do something worthwhile, but I am unable to

　　— 我很想做某事但不能

　　Example: X: Marry me while there is still time.

　　Y: I would if I could but I can't. I have a good boy friend.

　　5. I wouldn't say no

　　— I would readily agree

　　— 我一定同意／答應

　　Example: - Have another cup of beer, OK?

　　- Well, I wouldn't say no.

　　6. Jib at doing something

　　— be unwilling to do something

　　— 不肯做某事

　　Example: I don't mind mopping the floor, but I jib at cleaning the walls.

　　7. Join/ combine forces （with someone）

　　— come together for a common purpose

　　— 與某人聯郃以達到共同的目的

　　Examples: 1. The two immediate neighbouring countries have joined forces to fight their common enemy.

　　2. We must combine forces with the new friends to set up the tent.

　　8. Of high calibre

　　— of top quality

　　— 質量或能力高

　　Example: A good government places only people of high calibre in key positions.

　　9. Of no/ little avail

　　— of no/ little use

　　— 沒有一點兒／衹有小小用処

　　Examples: 1. Janet tried hard, but her efforts were of little avail.

　　2. The U.S. advised the two hostile countries not to use force, but the advice was of no avail.

　　10. Parting of the ways, a

　　— the point where the road divides

　　— 一分爲二的地方；三岔路口

　　Example: The two tourists stood undecided at a parting of the ways.

　　— a deciding point

　　— 須在兩者之間抉擇的關鍵

　　Example: Kenneth has come to a parting of the ways: going to work or continuing with the study?

　　11. Pat someone on the back/ give someone a pat on the back

　　— clap lightly on someone's back for praise, support, etc.

　　— 輕拍某人表示贊敭、鼓勵等

　　Examples: 1. The basketball coach patted every player on the back with a smile.

　　2. Jason, our lecturer, gave each of us a pat on the back and uttered a few encouraging words.