美国文化脱口秀 第662期:美国人最常用的俚语有哪些

 The most quintessential American idioms

不同的文化环境里有不同的文化习俗和传统。因此，也会衍生出一些极具本国特色的俚语表达。
Idiom: 俚语
Quintessential: /?kw?nt??s?n?(?)l/ 典型的，精髓的
#1.A piece of cake
When a task is easy or straightforward 1, Americans say it's "a piece of cake."
如果一件事情非常简单易做，美国人会说它：
a piece of cake: 小菜一碟
#2.It's not rocket science
When something is easy to understand, they might say "it's not rocket science."
当一件事情非常容易理解，美国人会说：
it's not rocket science：不是火箭科学，指不是什么复杂的事情。
或者用另一种说法：
It's not brain surgery: 不是脑部手术，指不是什么难事。
#3.Beat around the bush
美国人非常地直接，不喜欢拐弯抹角，所以这句俚语也很常用：
Beat around the bush: to delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant. 拖延或一直不说重点，拐弯抹角
它经常以否定句使用:
Don't beat around the bush. 不要拐弯抹角。
#4.Shoot the breeze
When Americans "shoot the breeze," they talk about unimportant things for a long time.
当美国人“shoot the breeze”，表示他们一直在谈论一些无关紧要的事情。
怎么用：
A: What are you guys talking about？你们在聊什么？
B: We are just shooting the breeze. 我们只是随便闲聊。
#5.Break a leg
"Break a leg" is a superstitious 2 phrase that originated in the American theatre. It's now used to wish someone good luck.
“Break a leg”是一个源于美国剧院的迷信说法。现在被用来祝他人好运。它的使用已经不仅仅局限于戏剧演出，考试、面试都可以用它来送出祝福。
You'd better leave now if you want to arrive early for the exam. Break a leg! 如果你想早点到考场你最好现在就出发。祝你好运！
#6.Monday-morning quarterback
美式橄榄球是美国最流行的运动之一，很多与之相关的俚语也被广泛使用在生活中。
A "Monday-morning quarterback" is a person who criticizes things in hindsight. Professional football games in the United States are often played on Sundays.
在美国，Quarterback（四分卫）是一个重要的得分角色，而专业的美式橄榄球比赛一般都会放在周日晚上，所以“周一早上的四分卫”就会用来形容那些“事后诸葛亮”“放马后炮”的人。
#7.Ballpark figure
还有一个源自棒球运动的俚语：
Ballpark figure : a rough estimate. 一个粗略的估计。
怎么用：
I don't need an exact number. A ballpark figure will do.我不需要准确地数字，一个粗略的估计就够了。
#8.The cat's out of the bag
和“猫”相关的俚语：
The cat's out of the bag: something has happened and you can't change it.
这个俚语表示事情已经发生了，没有办法再改变。
#9.Spill the beans
还有一个相似的短语：
Spill the beans: to let out something 把某事泄露出来，多指秘密。
怎么用：
There is a surprise party for her on Wednesday. Please don't spill the beans. 周三要给她举办惊喜派对，千万不要泄密。
#10.Don't cry over spilt milk
还有一个和spill相关的俚语：
Don't cry over spilt milk: someone might say if you're upset over something you can't fix.
如果你面对一件无法改变的事情而烦恼，别人会说这句话来安慰你。
#11.Jump on the bandwagon
When you "jump on the bandwagon,"you're joining a popular activity or supporting a popular cause.
这个俚语表示加入了某项很流行的活动，或支持某项大势的事业。
怎么用：
A: "I thought your mom hated thatcandidate." 我以为你妈妈讨厌那个候选人。
B: "Well, he's the president now, soshe decided 3 to jump on the bandwagon."他现在是总统了，所以我妈妈决定跟随大势。
#12.Cold turkey
最后这个俚语和火鸡有关：
When you quit something "cold turkey," you abruptly 4 withdraw from an addictive 5 substance or behavior,like smoking.
这个俚语表示你突然停止某个上瘾的东西或行为，例如吸烟。