「bookworm」是指「書呆子」?學校裡的常用俚語了解一下

這篇文章將幫助你破譯學校和教育中一些令人困惑的成語。有了常規的練習，你也許就可以自己在日常演講中使用它們了，而當你聽到別人使用它們時，你就不會「畫蛇添足」了！

儘管這些習語來源於學校和教育的相關術語，但它們可以在日常生活中使用。

1. put / get your thinking cap on

開動腦筋

To engage your mind and think in a serious manner.

令大腦和思維保持在思考狀態。

例：Right, we need to figure out how we’re going to solve this problem before mum and dad get back, so let’s put our thinking caps on!

好吧，我們必須在父母回家前想出解決問題的辦法，那就讓我們開動腦筋！

2. draw a blank

一無所獲/大腦一片空白

To get no response from someone when they are asked a question.

面對提問毫無反應。

例：I asked him about his plans for Christmas, but I just drew a blank. He didn’t seem to understand what I was asking him!

我問過他的聖誕計劃，但是一無所獲。他好像根本不明白我在問什麼！

3. back to basics

回複本原

An approach that uses traditional ideas and methods which have been successful in the past.

一種在過去有所成效的傳統理念和方法。

例：They seem to prefer having everything back to basics in their office. They have minimal use of advanced technology, but apparently find everything simpler and easier to manage.

看上去他們更喜歡傳統的辦公方式。雖然他們鮮用先進技術，但是一切變得似乎更簡單、更易於管理。

4. as easy as abc

不費吹灰之力

Something that is very simple or easy.

某事不值一提、非常簡單。

例：That jigsaw puzzle is as easy as ABC, I don’t understand why you』ve been struggling with it for so long.

七巧板遊戲如此簡單，你怎麼花這麼久的時間還沒搞定？

5. copycat

模仿者

Used to describe someone who copies another person’s work.

描述模仿、抄襲他人作品者。

例：I don’t like talking to her about my wedding plans because she’s such a copycat! I know she』ll steal my ideas and use them for her own wedding.

我不想跟她談論我的婚禮計劃，她是個地地道道的模仿者！她知道了，一定會在自己婚禮上盜用我的創意。

6. cover a lot of ground

許多事情需要完成

When a lot of work needs to be completed. If there is a lot of research to be done, or material to get through.

大量的工作、研究項目急需完成或材料等待審核。

例：Our team have done so well over the past two weeks, we』ve managed to cover so much ground that I feel this programme may be ready by the end of this month!

過去兩周，我們小組進展迅速，處理了不少事情，也許這個項目月底就能完成！

We have to complete our research within the next month. We still have a lot of ground to cover, and I fear we may not get everything done in time.

我們必須在下月底完成這項研究。可是現在仍有很多工作沒有完成，恐怕不能及時完成任務了。

7. count noses

清點人數

To count the number of people around you (generally used on a school trip, to check for missing students).

用於清點人數（常見於郊遊時清點學生以防遺漏）。

例：My grandmother was constantly counting noses at the birthday party. I think she felt responsible for all the children there!

外祖母常在生日聚會上清點人數。她一定認為自己對在場的每個孩子都有責任！

8. eager beaver

做事勤奮的人

Someone who works hard and is very enthusiastic.

做事勤奮、幹勁十足的人。

例：Mary is such an eager beaver, she always the first one to do whatever the boss asks. I think she’s hoping for a promotion!

瑪麗做事勤奮，無論老闆提出什麼要求，總是第一個衝鋒陷陣。她一定是想得到提拔！

9. drop out of school / dropout

輟學/輟學生

To stop attending school completely (leave without graduating).

完全不上學（尚未畢業便離校）。

例：She dropped out of school at the age of 14 to help her sick grandmother at home, but now she runs her own successful nursing home for the elderly!

雖然她十四歲便輟學在家照顧生病的祖母，但是如今她成功經營了一家養老院。

He’s a dropout, I can’t see him being anything successful with his current reputation.

他是名輟學生，就現在而言，我看不出他能有什麼出息。

10. show of hands

舉手表決

Raising hands to vote about something.

對某事進行表決。

例：With a show of hands, who would prefer to have longer working days but a shorter working week?

舉手表決，有誰支持延長工作日但縮短工作周期？

11. learn (something) by heart / off by heart

用心學習某事

To memorise something so well, that it can be written or recited without thinking.

對某事十分熟悉，能夠不假思索地默寫或背誦。

例：I can’t believe you learnt the whole Macbeth play by heart! Well done!

你竟然記住了《麥克白》全部臺詞！真讓人難以置信！幹得好！

She learnt all the compositions by Beethoven off by heart!

她用心學習了貝多芬的所有曲目！

12. bookworm

書呆子

This is used to describe someone who reads a lot, all the time.

形容某人一直讀書。

例：You won’t be able to convince her to come out with us, she’s a real bookwormand will probably stay in to read!

你不必費力請她和我們一起去，她是個名副其實的書呆子，可能更想在家讀書！

13. from the old school / of the old school

因循守舊

Holding attitudes or ideas that were popular and important in the past, but which are no longer considered relevant or in-line with modern trends.

仍堅持過去流行的態度或主張，儘管其已不再符合現代社會發展趨勢。

例：She was a teacher of the old school and believed in strict discipline.

她是個老派的老師，相信嚴師出高徒。

My grandmother is from the old school, she made her children make their own lunches and walk to school.

祖母是個傳統的人，她要求兒女們自行準備午餐、步行去學校。

14. the school of hard knocks

（有教育意義的）困苦經歷

Learning through difficult experiences in life, as opposed to a formal, classroom education.

從苦難的生活經歷學習，而非接受正規的課堂教育。

例：I wasn’t able to go to college, but I learnt a lot in the school of hard knocks, it taught me a lot about life.

我雖然未受過大學教育，但是困苦的生活經歷同樣使我學到很多，讓我深刻理解了什麼叫生活。

15. a for effort

獲得嘉獎

Giving someone recognition for trying hard to do something even though they may not be successful.

對某人的辛勤付出做出肯定，即便並未取得成功。

例：Jenny definitely deserves a for effort, she put so much work into her entry for the competition.

詹妮在比賽中傾注了大量的心血，理應獲得嘉獎。

16. school someone in something

訓練某人做某事

To train, discipline or coach someone in something.

訓練、訓導或指導某人做某事。

例：She schooled her brother in patience.

她耐心教導弟弟。

17. cut class / play hooky / skip class

逃課/逃學/逃課

When someone plays truant and does not go to their lessons.

某人曠課或逃學。

例：David has been cutting class again; I haven’t seen him in any of our French lessons for the past week!

大衛又逃課了，上周就沒見他上過一節法語課！

They played hooky at college so they could be first in line for the concert tickets.

為買到音樂會第一排的演出票，他們不惜逃學。

The teacher told his parents that he』d been skipping classes! He’s not allowed to go out with us now.

老師告訴家長他們的孩子過去一直翹課！所以，這個孩子現在不能跟我們一起出來玩耍了。

18. school of thought

思想派別

A particular philosophy, or a way of thinking about something.

一種特定的理念或思考方式。

例：One school of thought holds that cats cause allergic reactions.

某學派認為貓能引起過敏反應。

19. tell tales out of school / tell tales

背後講壞話/搬弄是非

To gossip or spread rumours.

八卦或傳播流言蜚語。

例：I wish Gina wouldn’t tell tales out of school so much, people find it hard to believe anything she says now, even if she is telling the truth!

我真希望吉娜沒有現在這麼八卦，即便說真話，也沒人願意相信她！

20. you can’t teach an old dog new tricks

老狗學不會新把戲

This means it is difficult to make someone change the way they do something when they have been doing it the same way for a very long time.

比喻長期養成的習慣，很難發生改變。

例：Jeremy tries so hard to show me how the computer works, but he doesn’t understand that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!

傑裡米不厭其煩地向我展示計算機是如何工作的，但是他不明白，我接受不了新事物。

21. the old school tie / oldboy network

老校情結/母校情誼

The way in which men who have been to the same expensive private school, help each other to find good jobs.

畢業於同一私立學校的人會相互幫助尋找好工作。

例：The old school tie still has enormous power in most City companies.

在多數城市的公司中，母校情誼的力量仍不可小覷。

They don’t make any effort to find a job for themselves, the oldboy network does it all for them.

他們對找工作一點不上心，在這方面，同校情誼發揮了很大作用。

22. brainstorm

頭腦風暴

To try to develop an idea or think of new ideas.

嘗試發展新理念或創造新理念。

例：Let’s all separate into groups and try to brainstorm as many suggestions as possible for the next school play.

那就讓我們分為幾組，針對下一場校園劇提出儘可能多的建議。

23. an old head on young shoulders

少年老成

A child or young person who thinks and talks like an older person who has more life experience.

言談舉止接近閱歷豐富的老者似的孩子或少年。

例：Emily doesn’t fit in with the children at her school, she’s definitely an old head on young shoulders. She talks to them like a parent or teacher would!

艾米麗和校園裡別的孩子不一樣，她十分成熟。跟同學講話的神情活像家長或老師！

24. call the roll / take the roll

點名

To call the names of a group of people (or students) and expect them to respond to show they are present.

對一群人（或一組學生）點名以期待回應，表示其在場。

例：Jamie called the roll on the coach before we left to make sure that everyone had arrived.

傑米在車廂開動前點名，確保每個人都到了。

25. crack a book

打開課本學習

To open a book to study (usually used in a negative sense).

打開課本學習（通常是不情願的）。

例：I kept telling my mum I didn’t need to study too hard for this exam because it’s easy, she wouldn’t listen to me though. She insisted I crack a book every evening!

雖然我反覆地跟母親講這次考試十分簡單，無須準備，但她根本不聽。堅持要求我徹夜溫習課本。

26. crank out a paper

機械地寫論文

To write a paper or essay in a mechanical way.

機械地創作論文或文章。

例：I had to crank out a new paper every week to pass this course. It was really hard work!

為了通過這門考試，我不得不每周想辦法寫出一篇論文。真是太累了！

27. fill in the blanks

填空

To supply missing words or information (this can be used in conversation or writing).

補上缺少的單詞或信息（一般出現在對話或寫作）。

例：I wasn’t here when the argument happened, so John filled in the blanks for me.

發生爭執的時候我不在場，約翰可以告訴我究竟怎麼回事。

28. learn by rote

死記硬背

To learn something by memorising it without giving any thought to what is being learnt.

不加思考地記憶某項內容。

例：They had to learn the lyrics to two new songs by rote just before the show.

演出前，他們必須背下兩首新歌的歌詞。

29. learn the ropes

摸清門道

To learn how to do a job properly, or how things work.

熟悉工作內情或操作原理。

例：It took me a while to learn the ropes in this law firm, some of their procedures are so complicated.

我花了一段時間才摸清這個律師事務所的工作流程，一些程序實在太繁瑣了。

30. learn one’s lesson

汲取教訓

To suffer a bad experience and know not to do it again.

從糟糕的經歷中汲取教訓，以免重蹈覆轍。

例：I thought I was being funny by mocking Peter in front of everyone, but the way he reacted was so horrible. I』ve definitely learnt my lesson to not make a joke at someone else’s expense!

我在眾人面前嘲笑彼特的樣子一定很滑稽，但是他的反應也太可怕了。我想我再也不會以讓人付出代價的方式開玩笑了。

31. teach someone a lesson

給某人一個教訓

To do something to someone in order to punish them for something they』ve done.

做某事懲罰某人。

例：The boys next door wouldn’t stop playing pranks on the poor elderly couple across the road, so I played a prank on them to teach them a lesson!

隔壁的男孩一直捉弄那對過路的老夫婦，因此我好好教訓了他們一頓！

32. pass with flying colours

考出好成績

To pass (a test) easily with a high score.

輕鬆通過考試並取得好成績

例：I have some exciting news: I passed my driving test with flying colours!

有條激動人心的好消息：我以優異的成績通過了駕照考試！

33. schoolboy error

低級錯誤

A very basic or foolish mistake.

低級或愚蠢的錯誤。

例：He made a schoolboy error when he passed some of the responsibilities to Jonah, who took all the credit for everything they』d done.

他犯了一個低級錯誤，竟然將責任推給約拿。而約拿將一切視為理所當然。

34. a quick learner

學得快

Someone who is able to learn a new skill or task very quickly.

能夠快速掌握某項技能或迅速完成某項任務的人。

例：Kelly is a very quick learner, she has only been here for a week so far and has already taken on most of the previous secretary’s roles!

凱莉對工作上手很快，才來了一個星期，就基本能夠勝任秘書的角色了。

35. university of life

生活經歷

The daily life and work where you learn more than you would by going to university.

在日常生活和工作中學到的東西遠比在大學多得多。

例：My grandfather began to work on the family farm when he was fourteen and learnt everything from the university of life.

外祖父十四歲起便在農場工作，生活教會了他許多。

36. single file

一列縱隊

A line of people with one person standing behind another.

人和人縱向排列成一條直線。

例：We didn’t have any issues with crowd control at all. Everyone was eager to get an autograph from the band, but they waited patiently in single-file.

這裡無需維持秩序。儘管每個人都無比渴望得到樂隊成員的籤名，但是在場的人都能排成一隊，耐心等待。

37. meet the requirements for/of something

合乎要求

To fulfil the requirements for/of something.

合乎要求。

例：Unfortunately, I didn’t meet all their requirements for that job, so I didn’t get it.

不幸的是，我不符合那項工作的要求，因此未能錄取。

38. make the grade

合乎水準

To be satisfactory and of an expected level.

符合要求，達到預期標準。

例：I didn’t make the grade for the final assignment, so I have to do it all over again!

我未能達到最終任務的要求，因此不得不重新來過！

39. hit the books

發奮學習

To begin to study hard.

開始努力學習。

例：I hit the books as soon as I knew the date of the exam.

我一得知考試日期便開始努力學習。

40. have one’s nose in a book

專心讀書

To be reading a book.

形容閱讀書籍。

例：He always has his nose in a book, I wish he』d be a bit more sociable sometimes!

他總是在讀書，能多點社交時間就好了！

41. goof off / goof around

遊手好閒/消磨時間

To waste time, procrastinate.

浪費時間，耽擱拖延。

例：He spent all of last week goofing around, and now he’s panicking the day before the test!

上周，他整個星期都無所事事，如今考試前一天才知道恐慌！

42. teacher’s pet

老師的寵兒

A teacher’s favourite student.

受老師青睞的學生。

例：She always gets really good marks, I bet it’s because she’s teacher’s pet.

她的分數一直很高，我敢打賭，這一定是老師喜歡她的緣故。

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