跟莎士比亚学口语—莎翁创造的短语(2)
在上次的文章里,英语君和大家分享了由莎翁创造,比较实用的七个表达,现在给大家奉上本系列的第二篇,赶快学起来吧。
英文解释:The only important thing in your life, or the only important feature of a particular activity.
出自:Macbeth 《麦克白》
当麦克白考虑要暗杀苏格兰国王时,他的心理活动如下:
It were done quickly. If th' assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease, success: that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all ... ...
英文解释:jealousy
出自:Othello 《奥赛罗》
英文解释:Said when you admit that someone you don’t like or admire does have particular good qualities.
出自:Henry IV 《亨利四世》
注释:这个短语的字面意思是pay the devil what you owe him(将你欠魔鬼的归还给他),可以理解成哪怕是魔鬼,该是他的也要给他。在今天的用法中多取引申义,指哪怕对于自己不喜欢的人,也不得不承认他的一些优点。
英文解释:to one's complete inner satisfaction - until one's heart is content.
出自:Henry VI 《亨利四世》
Her grace in Speech, Makes me from Wondring, fall to Weeping ioyes, Such is the Fulnesse of my hearts content.
The Merchant of Venice 《威尼斯商人》
I wish your Ladiship all hearts content.
注释:在今天的用法中,我们常说to one’s heart’s content 表示尽情地做某事
英文解释:Words or sayings that are in common use; names that are familiar to everyone.
出自:Henry VI 《亨利四世》
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
英文解释:I have not slept at all
出自:Cymbeline 《辛白林》
PISANIO:
O gracious lady,
Since I received command to do this business
I have not slept one wink.
注释:wink在这里作名词,是眨眼的意思。这是一个非常形象的表达,表示一夜都未合眼,还可以表达为not get/have a wink of sleep。
英文解释:supreme authority; a person who gives you the courage and determination to continue when you are in a bad situation.
出自:Richard III 《查理三世》
注释:这个词组过去表示至高无上的权力,在今天的表达中,作为“困难时的精神支柱”的用法较为常见,且一般指人,也可以表达为a pillar of strength。
声明:本内容为沪江英语原创,严禁转载。