今天,我們一起來學一個地道英語表達:
test the water(s)
這個表達字面意思是「試試水」,可實際上意思並不是這樣,而是說「試探」。主要是看看人們對某事的意見,或者看看別人有什麼反應。
如果一時記不得,可以用解釋的方式進行表達:
If you test the water or test the waters, you try to find out what reaction an action or idea will get before you do it or tell it to people.
看幾個樣例:
-Oh, what perfume are you wearing? it's lovely.
-Oh thanks. It's just a sample a company sent me. They're testing the water to see if people like it.
-你今天用的是什麼香水?很不錯!
-哦,謝謝。只是一個公司贈送的樣品。他們在試探,看看人們是否喜歡他們的產品。
You should be cautious when getting involved and test the water before committing yourself.
當你涉足其中時你應該小心謹慎,在表態之前要先行試探。
The government is clearly testing the water, to gauge the country’s reactions to their proposals.
政府顯然是在試探國民對他們提案的反應。