收聽與下載
The script of this programme 本節(jié)目臺詞
(Helen bumps into Rob in her local laundrette)
Helen: Hello Rob. I didn't know I would find you here. I love this launderette. The washing machines are very efficient.
Rob: I hope so. I bought a very expensive washing machine last weekend but when I put my clothes in it, they ended up dirtier!
Washing has inspired many idioms in English
Helen: What do you mean?
Rob: Well, apparently some oil is leaking in the motor and it stained all the washing! I'm trying to wash them again here in this launderette!
Helen: Oh, I can see all the yellowish stains… This white shirt… it's an expensive, designer one…
Rob: Yes, it is. That was my best shirt. It's probably ruined now! If this stain doesn't come out, I'll sue the washing machine manufacturers! I'll take them to the cleaners!
Helen: Calm down, Rob! It's the shirt that has to be taken to the cleaners!
Rob: Not exactly, Helen. In English, when we say we are going to 'take someone to the cleaners', we mean we're going to take a lot of money from them.
Helen: 這么說當我們聽到 take someone to the cleaners 這個表達的時候，意思是從別人那里拿很多錢。你想讓這家洗衣店賠償你這件昂貴的襯衫，你要他們賠你很多很多錢，甚至于是他們所有的錢，你要他們傾家蕩產(chǎn)嗎？
Rob: Yes! I'm very angry with them. But we should point out that this expression can be used in a sports context too, when a team defeats another one by a large number of points.
Helen: Take to the cleaners 這個短語還可以用于體育比賽，如果一個隊被打得落花流水，一敗涂地就可以這么形容。
Rob: 'Take to the cleaners' is today's expression in Authentic Real English. Let's listen to some examples of how this phrase is used.
- My husband cheated on me with my best friend! I'm going to get the best divorce lawyer in town and take him to the cleaners!
- My team has the best players and we'll take you to the cleaners in this Sunday's match!
Helen: No need to sue the company, Rob. Call your washing machine manufacturer and ask them to replace it.
Rob: But I'm angry!
Helen: Don't be. I can take you to the cleaners, but not in the sense of this idiom. I can take you to the cleaners next door - the people who remove stains from clothes. They're very good.
Rob: OK. Well, do you think they might be able to remove this stain?
Helen: Of course they can. Come on, Rob.
Rob: OK. Come on, take me to the cleaners! Thanks, Helen.
Helen: You're welcome.Bye.
Rob: Bye.
人氣排行
