语言小点心:at a loose end
1. If you are at a loose end, are you:
a) busy, with lots to do?
b) free, and looking for something to do?
c) lost?
2. This expression was originally 1 used on:
a) ships
b) trains
c) aeroplanes 2
Today on Language Snacks we take a look at the expression at a loose end. Let’s listen to the dialogue.
A: Hi! Do you want to have lunch?
B: Sure, but I thought you had a meeting with John.
A: Oh, he had to cancel, so I'm at a loose end.
B: Great, I'll just get my coat.
Most of us lead very busy lives these days, but do you ever finish everything you have to do and find that you have a bit of spare time to fill? In these situations, when we have free time, but we don't know what to do with it, we say we are at a loose end.
This expression was originally about sailors' ropes which had become untied 3, or 'loose', and therefore were not being used properly.
B A
- Originally I didn't want to go.我本意不想去。
- After much discussion they settled on the plan originally proposed.他们讨论了很久，然后确定了原来提出的那个计划。
- Most countries refuse to give sanctuary to people who hijack aeroplanes. 大多数国家拒绝对劫机者提供庇护。 来自《简明英汉词典》
- The boy has become fascinated with making model aeroplanes. 这孩子做飞机模型都入了迷了。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》