在美国英语里,有许多常用俚语是由身体部位字眼构成.
Get in Someone's Hair = bother someones
可以用 get in someone's hair来表达麻烦某人意思,就象钻到某人的头发里,让人厌烦一样.
范例对话
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.
Tongue-In-Cheek = not serious
舌头没有放正,表示某人不是认真的.
范例对话
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.
Pull Someone's Leg = fool someone
完全没有中文抱大腿、溜须拍马或扯后腿的意思,本短语在美语里是愚弄某人的意思.
范例对话
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.
Stick Out One's Neck = take a risk
把脖子伸出去,在美语中是去冒险的意思.
范例对话
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.
