跟李笑来学美式俚语（Most Common American Idioms）: Part 37

Most Common American Idioms: Part 37

前言

本文是学习李笑来的Most Common American Idioms这本书的学习笔记，自用。

Github仓库链接：https://github.com/xiaolai/most-common-american-idioms

使用方法: 直接下载下来（或者clone到本地），使用浏览器打开Most_Common_American_Idioms.html文件即可，可以听到例句发音，学习效果很好，推荐给想学习美式俚语的同学。

721. Knee-high to a grasshopper

grasshopper：美 [ˈɡræshɑːpər] 蚱蜢；蝗虫

knee-high：齐膝高的；膝盖高度的；

“像蚱蜢一样高” 或 “非常小，非常年轻”。

这个短语用以形容一个人非常小或非常年轻，起源于蚱蜢的高度比喻。蚱蜢通常非常小，因此当形容一个人为 “knee-high to a grasshopper” 时，就是在说这个人年纪小或者个子矮，通常用于反映某个时间点的人的幼小时期。

This idiom is used to describe someone who is very small or very young, deriving from the comparison to the height of a grasshopper. Grasshoppers are generally very small, so saying someone is “knee-high to a grasshopper” indicates they were young or short at the time, often used to reflect on someone’s childhood.

I’ve known her since she was knee-high to a grasshopper.我从她非常小的时候就认识她了。
He’s been playing the piano since he was knee-high to a grasshopper.他从非常小的时候就开始弹钢琴了。
I remember being knee-high to a grasshopper and helping my grandpa in the garden.我记得我小时候就帮助爷爷在花园里干活。

722. Knee-jerk reaction

knee-jerk：膝腱反射；本能地做出的；未经思考做出的；条件反射的

“膝跳反应” 或 “条件反射”。

这个短语起源于医生在检查膝反射时，膝盖会不由自主地跳动，这个反应不需要大脑思考就发生了。因此，“knee-jerk reaction” 用来形容一种未经深思熟虑的、自动化的反应，通常是对某个刺激或情况的立即反应。

This phrase originates from the medical knee reflex test, where the knee involuntarily jerks upon being tapped. This reaction happens without the need for conscious thought. Therefore, “knee-jerk reaction” is used to describe an automatic, often unconsidered response to a stimulus or situation.

Her knee-jerk reaction was to say no to the unexpected proposal.她的条件反射是拒绝那个出乎意料的提议。
Instead of having a knee-jerk reaction, take a moment to think it through.不要有条件反射般的反应，花点时间好好想一想。
He regretted his knee-jerk reaction of anger later.他后来后悔了自己当时条件反射般的愤怒反应。

723. Knock into a cocked hat

cocked hat：三角帽；折叠帽；歪戴的帽子；

“彻底击败” 或 “彻底粉碎”。

这个短语源于传统的三角帽（三角船帽或鸡冠帽），在摔倒后形状变得歪斜和没用。它隐喻某事被彻底摧毁或被压倒性的胜利所击败。这个表达常用于描述某个想法、计划或竞争对手被完全击败或摧毁。

This phrase originates from the traditional tricorn hat (cocked hat), which becomes disheveled and useless when knocked out of shape. It metaphorically signifies something being thoroughly destroyed or overwhelmingly defeated. This idiom is often used to describe an idea, plan, or competitor being completely overcome or ruined.

The new evidence knocked their theory into a cocked hat.新的证据彻底粉碎了他们的理论。
The underdog team knocked the champions into a cocked hat.这支弱旅彻底击败了冠军队。
The critic’s review knocked the movie into a cocked hat.评论家的评论彻底击垮了这部电影。

724. Knock it off

“别闹了” 或 “停止做某事”。

这个短语起源于 20 世纪初的美国俚语，通常用来要求某人停止做某种令人讨厌或分心的行为。它通常在非正式的对话中使用，特别是在试图让朋友或孩子停止打扰或扰乱时。

This phrase originates from early 20th-century American slang, and is commonly used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or distracting. It is typically used in informal conversations, especially when trying to get friends or children to stop being disruptive or bothersome.

Hey, knock it off! I’m trying to concentrate.嘿，别闹了！我在努力集中注意力。
Would you knock it off with the drumming? It’s really loud.你能不能别再打鼓了？声音太大了。
Knock it off or you’ll be sent to your room.别闹了，不然你就得回房间去。

725. Knock on wood

“敲木头” 或 “祈求好运”。

这个短语有好几种起源说法，其中一种是，古欧洲人认为树木和森林拥有神秘的力量，因此敲击木头可以唤起或感应到这些力量来保护自己。在现代使用中，当人们说了某件好事情或者希望某事顺利进行，会通过 “敲木头” 来避免不好的事情发生，是一种祈求好运的迷信行为。

This phrase has several origin theories. One popular belief is that ancient Europeans thought trees and forests held mystical powers. Therefore, touching or knocking on wood would invoke or signal these powers for protection. In modern usage, after mentioning something positive or hoping for something to proceed smoothly, people knock on wood to ward off bad luck — a superstitious act of seeking good fortune.

I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket, knock on wood.我从来没有被开过超速罚单，敲木头（希望这样一直下去）。
We have had great weather for our trip so far, knock on wood.我们这次旅行的天气很好，敲木头（希望天气继续保持良好）。
The project is going smoothly, knock on wood.项目进展顺利，敲木头（希望继续顺利）。

726. Knock someone’s socks off

socks：美 [sɑːks] 短袜；袜子；（sock的复数）

“让某人大吃一惊” 或 “让某人非常兴奋”。

这个短语起源于美国，最早可以追溯到 19 世纪后期。其原意是指某个打击（通常是物理上的）强烈到可以把人鞋子打飞甚至袜子也打飞。但在现代使用中，它更多的是指某人或者某事给人留下深刻的印象，常常是出乎意料的好。

This phrase originated in America, dating back to the late 19th century. Originally, it was used to describe a blow so powerful that it could knock off a person’s shoes and even their socks. In contemporary usage, it more commonly refers to someone or something making a profound impression, often surprisingly good.

The performance really knocked my socks off!这场表演真是让我大吃一惊！
Her presentation knocked everyone’s socks off at the meeting.她的演讲在会议上让所有人都大为惊叹。
The movie’s special effects knocked my socks off.这部电影的特效让我非常震惊。

727. Know the ins and outs

“了解内情” 或 “熟悉详情”。

这个短语表达了对某事物非常熟悉、了解所有的细节和流程的意思。它由两个部分组成：“ins” 指内部情况，和 “outs” 指外部情况，合起来表示对所有方面都了如指掌。

The phrase expresses familiarity with all details and procedures of something. It is composed of two parts: “ins” refers to internal details, and “outs” refers to external details, together indicating a thorough understanding of all aspects.

She knows the ins and outs of the company’s policy.她了解公司的政策内情。
To perform well in this task, you need to know the ins and outs of the software.要在这项任务中表现出色，你需要熟悉软件的每一个细节。
He knows the ins and outs of the legal process like nobody else.他对法律程序了如指掌，无人能及。

728. Know the ropes

“熟悉门道” 或 “了解内情”。

这个短语源于早期航海术语。在航海中，船员们需要知道如何掌握和使用船上的许多绳子，这对于有效地操纵船只至关重要。因此，一个 “知道绳索” 的船员被认为是有经验且可靠的。在现代，“know the ropes” 通常用来形容某人对某一领域非常熟悉，知道其中的规矩和技巧。

This phrase originates from early nautical terminology. In sailing, sailors needed to know how to handle and use the many ropes on a ship, which was crucial for effectively maneuvering the vessel. Thus, a sailor who “knew the ropes” was considered experienced and reliable. In modern times, “know the ropes” is generally used to describe someone who is very familiar with the rules, tasks, and subtleties of a certain field.

After a few weeks on the job, you’ll start to know the ropes.在工作了几周后，你会开始熟悉门道。
We need someone who really knows the ropes to lead this project.我们需要一个真正熟悉门道的人来领导这个项目。
She’s been here for years, so she definitely knows the ropes.她在这里许多年了，所以她绝对了解内情。

729. Know which way the wind is blowing

“了解情势” 或 “看清局势”。

这个短语源自航海术语，掌握风向对于航行的方向选择至关重要。比喻来说，“know which way the wind is blowing” 用于描述一个人时，他能够有效地理解当前的局势、趋势或社会风向，从而做出相应的决定。

This phrase originates from maritime terminology, where knowing the wind direction is crucial for navigation. Metaphorically, “know which way the wind is blowing” describes someone who can effectively understand the current situation, trend, or social climate and make decisions accordingly.

Before making any big decisions, it’s important to know which way the wind is blowing in the market.在做任何重大决定之前，重要的是要了解市场的动向。
Politicians often need to know which way the wind is blowing to shape their policies.政客们常常需要了解局势以制定政策。
As a good manager, she always knows which way the wind is blowing in the industry.作为一个优秀的经理，她总是掌握行业的动向。

730. Know your onions

“非常精通某事” 或 “非常了解自己的领域”。

这个短语的起源并不十分明确，有人认为它可能与 20 世纪初英国某著名家庭菜谱作家 S. G. Onyons 的名字有关，然而这种解释仍存在争议。总体而言，这个短语用来表示某人对某一领域有深厚的理解和专业知识。

This phrase’s origin is somewhat unclear; some suggest it might be related to S. G. Onyons, a renowned British household cookbook author from the early 20th century, though this interpretation is debated. Generally, the phrase is used to signify that someone has deep understanding and expertise in a particular area.

When it comes to digital marketing, she really knows her onions.在数字营销方面，她真的非常精通。
Ask Jim about car engines — he knows his onions.问问吉姆关于汽车发动机的事情 —— 他非常懂行。
Don’t worry, the contractor knows his onions when it comes to renovating homes.别担心，这位承包商在房屋装修方面非常在行。

731. Know zip

“知道零” 或 “一无所知”。

这个短语中的 “zip” 是一个俚语，意思是 “零” 或 “没有”，由此引申出 “know zip” 表示完全不知道某事。这个说法源自于 “零分” 在考试或比赛中的用法，通过表示数量的 “零” 来隐喻知识的缺乏。

This phrase comes from the slang usage of “zip” to mean “zero” or “nothing,” hence “know zip” implies knowing nothing about something. The analogy is drawn from the concept of getting “zero” in a test or competition, symbolizing a lack of knowledge.

I know zip about repairing cars.我对修车一无所知。
She knows zip about cooking but wants to learn.她对做饭一无所知，但是想要学习。
They asked him about the subject, but he knew zip.他们问他关于这个话题的事，但他什么都不知道。

732. Knuckle under

knuckle：美 [ˈnʌkl] 屈服；屈从；指关节；指节；关节部位

“屈服” 或 “让步”。

这个短语来源于一个古老的习惯，即人们在下棋或其他游戏时，当一个人认输时，会把手指关节摆在棋盘上以示屈服。随着时间的推移，“knuckle under” 逐渐演变成了一种表示屈服或让步的表达。

This idiom originates from an old practice in games like chess, where a player would place their knuckles on the board to signify defeat. Over time, “knuckle under” has evolved to mean yielding or giving in.

After hours of negotiation, he finally had to knuckle under and agree to the terms.经过数小时的谈判后，他最终不得不屈服并同意这些条款。
She didn’t want to knuckle under to the pressure from her peers.她不想屈服于同龄人的压力。
Bold and stubborn, he refused to knuckle under to the authority figure.大胆而固执的他拒绝向权威屈服。

733. Labor of love

“出于爱好或热情的工作” 或 “心甘情愿的付出”。

这个短语的起源是因为人们会为了自己热爱的事物或人而无偿地投入大量的时间和精力，而不仅仅是为了薪酬或回报。在这种情况下，劳动本身因为热情或爱的存在而变得值得，而不仅仅是一种负担。

This idiom originates because people tend to invest a lot of time and effort for something they love or are passionate about, often without expecting payment or reward. In such situations, the labor itself becomes worthwhile due to the presence of love or passion, rather than being just a burden.

Writing her novel was a labor of love; she spent years perfecting it.写小说是她的心血结晶；她花了多年时间来完善它。
The garden is a real labor of love for my grandmother.花园对我奶奶来说真的是辛勤付出的成果。
Volunteering at the animal shelter is a labor of love for many people.在动物收容所做志愿者对很多人来说是一种无偿的付出。

734. Laid off

“被裁员” 或 “被解雇”。

这个短语起源于公司在经济不景气或需求减少时，选择暂时或永久性解雇员工。和 “fired” 不同，“laid off” 通常不是由于员工表现不佳，而是因为公司本身的原因，如重组、预算削减等，无法继续提供工作岗位。

This phrase originates from situations where companies temporarily or permanently dismiss employees due to economic downturns or decreased demand. Unlike “fired,” “laid off” is typically not due to the employee’s poor performance but rather due to the company’s circumstances such as restructuring, budget cuts, etc.

He was laid off last month because the company had to downsize.他上个月被裁员了，因为公司不得不裁员。
Many workers were laid off during the economic crisis.许多工人在经济危机期间被裁员了。
She is worried about being laid off due to the merger.她担心因为合并而被裁员。

735. Lap of luxury

lap：（坐着时的）大腿；大腿部；

“极度奢华” 或 “豪华享受”。

这个短语起源于 “lap” 这个词，原本是指 “大腿上的区域”，后来被用来比喻舒适和放松的状态。在这个短语里，“lap of luxury” 描绘了一种生活方式，表示极度的财富和高档的舒适生活。这通常用于描述一种奢侈的生活方式，远超普通人的日常生活水平。

This phrase originates from the word “lap,” which originally referred to the area on one’s thighs and was later used metaphorically to describe a state of comfort and relaxation. In this idiom, “lap of luxury” depicts a way of life that involves immense wealth and high-end comfort. It is commonly used to describe a life of luxury that is far beyond the average person’s standard of living.

They’ve been living in the lap of luxury since winning the lottery.自从中了彩票后，他们一直过着极度奢华的生活。
Staying at the five-star resort felt like being in the lap of luxury.住在那家五星级度假村感觉就像是在享受豪华生活。
He dreams of one day retiring and living in the lap of luxury.他梦想着有一天退休后能过上极度奢华的生活。

736. Last but not least

“最后但同样重要” 或 “最后但并非最不重要”。

这个短语常用于列举事物或人物时，尽管在顺序上最后提到，但并不意味着其重要性较低。其目的是强调最后提到的事物或人物的重要性和价值。

This phrase is often used when listing things or people, indicating that although something or someone is mentioned last, it does not mean it is the least important. It aims to emphasize the importance and value of the final item or person mentioned.

And last but not least, I’d like to thank all the volunteers for their hard work.最后但同样重要的是，我想感谢所有志愿者的辛勤工作。
Last but not least, we must not forget the contributions of our team members.最后但同样重要的是，我们绝不能忘记团队成员的贡献。
Last but not least, our final performer, please welcome Jane!最后但同样重要的是，我们的最终表演者，请欢迎简！

737. Last straw

“最后一根稻草” 或 “压垮骆驼的最后一根稻草”。

这个短语来源于一个英语谚语，“压垮骆驼的最后一根稻草”。它用来形容在一系列累积的压力或问题中，最后的一个小事件使人不堪重负或失去耐心。

This idiom originates from an English proverb, “the last straw that broke the camel’s back.” It is used to describe a situation where a final, seemingly small event causes an overwhelming reaction after a buildup of previous pressures or problems.

The broken vase was the last straw; she couldn’t take the chaos anymore.花瓶的打碎是压垮她的最后一根稻草，她再也无法忍受这种混乱了。
His rude comment was the last straw, and she decided to quit.他的粗鲁评论是压垮她的最后一根稻草，她决定辞职。
The late assignment was the last straw for the teacher.迟交的作业是压垮老师的最后一根稻草。

738. Last-ditch effort

ditch：排水沟；战壕；

last-ditch：最后防线的；孤注一掷的；做最后的挣扎

“最后一搏” 或 “孤注一掷”。

这个短语来自军事术语，最初指的是在战斗的最后一刻做出的防守努力。在现代用法中，“last-ditch effort” 通常用来描述在绝望或紧急情况下，最后的尝试或努力，以期扭转局面或取得成功。

This phrase originates from a military term, referring to the final defensive effort made in the last moments of a battle. In modern usage, “last-ditch effort” is typically used to describe a final attempt or effort in a desperate or urgent situation, hoping to turn things around or achieve success.

In a last-ditch effort to save their home, they organized a fundraising event.为了保住他们的家，他们孤注一掷地组织了一场募捐活动。
They made a last-ditch effort to win the game, but it wasn’t enough.他们在比赛中做出了最后一搏，但还是未能取胜。
The company launched a last-ditch effort to improve sales before the end of the quarter.公司在季度结束前进行了孤注一掷的努力来提高销售额。

739. Laugh all the way to the bank

“赚得盆满钵满” 或 “轻松赚大钱”。

这个短语起源于人们在获得巨大财务奖励或成功时轻松愉快的心情。它通常用来形容某人在某个项目或投资中赚到很多钱，轻而易举地取得了财富。

This phrase originates from the idea of someone being so happy with their earnings or financial success that they can literally laugh all the way to the bank. It is often used to describe someone who has made a substantial amount of money from a deal, investment, or business venture with ease.

After selling his startup, he was laughing all the way to the bank.出售他的初创公司后，他赚得盆满钵满。
They laughed all the way to the bank after their product became a bestseller.他们的产品成为畅销书后，他们轻松赚大钱。
Investors in that tech company are laughing all the way to the bank now.投资那家科技公司的投资者现在赚得盆满钵满。

740. Lay an egg

“失败” 或 “表演、项目等遭遇滑铁卢”。

这个短语源于美国的棒球界，当一个球队一分未得时，得分板上会显示一个大大的零，形状如同一个鸡蛋。后来，这个短语被引申用于表演艺术领域，尤指演出或项目惨遭失败。如今被广泛应用于描述任何形式的失败。

This phrase originates from American baseball, where if a team scores no runs, the scoreboard shows a big zero, shaped like an egg. The term was later adopted in the performing arts to refer to a performance or project that flops miserably. It is now widely used to describe any form of failure.

The comedian laid an egg with his latest routine; nobody laughed.这位喜剧演员最近的段子彻底失败了，没人笑。
Our marketing campaign laid an egg, and sales actually went down.我们的营销活动惨败了，销量居然下降了。
The new product launch laid an egg; customers were not interested.新产品发布会失败了，顾客们并不感兴趣。