An Accident Waiting to Happen 灾难迟早会发生/存在隐患

这句话直译是灾难等待发生，意思是指早晚会出问题，（非正式）（尤指由于疏忽大意或程序错误而造成的）隐患，和它意思相近的还有一句是a recipe of disaster（后患无穷）。

这个短语可以用于各种情况，比如由于路面大坑造成交通事故、造成飞机坠毁的航行、油管小裂缝造成大爆炸等等。

例句：

1. The former chairman said the current turmoil in financial markets was ”an accident waiting to happen”.

    这位美联储前主席称，当前的金融市场动荡是“一件早晚要发生的事”。

2. An ageing nuclear reactor is an accident waiting to happen. 

    老化的核反应堆早晚会出事故.

3. In retrospect, however, the business was an accident waiting to happen. 

    然而, 回过头看, 这家公司早晚会出问题.

Inquiry at the Airport 在机场询问票务

A: What flights do you have from New York to London tomorrow?

B: One moment, please. And I’ll find out what’s available. 

A: I’d like to travel [1]first-class.

B: OK. We have a non-stop flight leaving Kennedy at 9:25.

A: When should I get to the airport?

B: Please be there [2]by 8:45 [3]at the latest.

翻译

A: 明天从纽约往伦敦有哪几趟航班？

B: 请稍等，我查查看。

A: 我要头等舱。

B: 好的。九点二十五有一班直飞航班，从肯尼迪机场起飞。

A: 我应该什么时候到达机场？

B: 最迟请在八点四十五之前到机场。

Notes:

1. first-class是头等舱的意思。经济舱是economic class，coach也有经济舱的意思。

2. by在这个句子里表示的是“在……之前”的意思，它后面接的必须是表示时间点的数字，而不能是时间段（如two months, a week等）。英语中如果要表达在某个时间段内完成某事情，前面应该接介词in，例如：

Please return to Guangzhou in two weeks.

请在两周内返穗。

The E-mail will reach you in 2 seconds.

两秒钟内你就能收到电子邮件了。

3. at the latest表示的是一种时间要求的极限，即“最迟不要晚于……”的意思。

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder 久别情更深/小别胜新婚

这句话直译是“分离让心变得更喜爱”，意思就是“短暂的分开会使感情更好”，通常用在男女感情之间，但也可引申到对家人、朋友、家乡的感情上。

absence有“缺席”，“不存在”以及“空白”之类的意思。absence from work的意思是“缺勤”；do something in one’s absence 是“在某人不在场的情况下下做某事”；the absence of evidence是“缺乏证据”；absence of mind是“心不在焉”的意思。

此语中fonder是形容词fond的比较级。fond有“喜欢”，“深情的”，“渴望的”，“痴情的”以及“溺爱”等意。该谚语指人离别之后所产生的更加“渴望见到”或“更加思念”的情感，一般用于因久不相见而更加思念的场合。

英语中还有一句在某种程度上与本句相反的谚语：“Familiarity breeds contempt. (熟悉会产生轻蔑）”。

例句（对话）：

Nancy:   Hey, you look like you have a million dollars.

Kevin:    I’m in seventh heaven today. My girlfriend is going back from

Singapore tonight. I haven’t seen her for months.

Nancy:   Absent makes the heart grow fonder.

Kevin:    You said it.

 

Dating 约会

Dialogue 1

John likes Jenny, but he's afraid to ask her out. His friend Jack is trying to encourage him.

John: Hey, Jack, is Jenny coming with us?

Jack: Yes. Why?

John: Nothing. I'm just asking.

Jack: Just asking? But why is your face burning like mad? Ah-huh, someone has a crush on Jenny, doesn't he?

John: Who has a crush?!

Jack: Come on, John, don't be such a chicken. If you like her, you've got to tell her. Maybe she likes you.

John: But I don't have the guts to ask her out.

Jack: What're you so afraid of?

John: I'd totally die if she turned me down.

Jack: But that's better than keeping everything to yourself. You've got to let her know. Come on! You've got to take a chance!

John: I don't know....Well, maybe, you're right, but how am I going to tell her?

Dialogue 2

John has a new girlfriend. His friend Jack is envious....

John: Hi, Jack, long time, no see!

Jack: Yeah! How's everything going?

John: Not bad! At least I'm still alive.

Jack: Just alive? I heard you're going out with Jane.

John: Where did you get that idea?

Jack: Oh, come on. Jane is a very nice girl, someone you meet only once in a lifetime.

John: Yeah, you're right. I'm not boasting, but she's really as beautiful as she is intelligent.

Jack: Well, I really envy you for finding such a girl.

Dialogue 3

Jane's friend Michelle tells Jane that she's lucky to have Jack as her boyfriend because....

Michelle: I heard you're going out with Jack.

Jane: Yes. To be frank, I really love him to death.

Michelle: You're so lucky!

Jane: Why do you say that?

Michelle: Why? Are you kidding me? A boy like him is so hard to find. So caring, so patient, and, did I mention, so handsome?

Jane: It's very nice of you to say so.

Michelle: Well, it's not a compliment. I'm saying it from the bottom of my heart! It's obvious that he's head over heels in love with you.

Jane: I sure hope so.

Dialogue 4

Jenny's boyfriend is a very nice person, but her friend Katie is concerned about his age....

Katie: Jenny, I know you like John a lot, but what do you like about him?

Jenny: Well, there's just something about him. Don't you think so?

Katie: Really? What's this something?

Jenny: Well, he's mature, handsome, gentle, and successful. I think he's my Mr. Right!

Katie: He's certainly mature, but don't you think he's a little old for you? He's almost twice as old as you are!

Jenny: Well, age shouldn't be something that comes in the way of a person's marriage. As long as we love each other, age is not an issue. It never has been!

Katie: But what will others think about it?

Jenny: I don't care what others will think about us. I just know I love him and he loves me. And that's all that matters.

Dialogue 5

Tom wants to settle down and start a family, but his girlfriend Monica is not ready yet. Therefore, they have to break up....

Jack: Hi, Tom, how have you been?

Tom: Not very well.

Jack: Why? What happened? You look so down!

Tom: Nothing.

Jack: Come on. For a man who's so down, there're usually two reasons. Either his career is going downhill, or he has a broken heart. You're so successful, so....

Tom: Well, you're right. I just broke up with Monica.

Jack: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you two were made for each other.

Tom: Well, you never know. I'm ready for a commitment and want to settle down, but she says she wants to pursue her career while she's still young.

Jack: Well, it's always difficult to choose between career and family.

Tom: Maybe you're right.

Jack: John, I don't know what to say to comfort you, but cheer up! There's plenty of fish out there and you'll find your perfect match!

Tom: Yeah, but it's hard to forget her at the moment. You know, we were together for almost five years. It's really hard....

Dialogue 6

Mike has recently broken up with his girlfriend because....

John: Hi, Mike, we're having a party tonight, wanna come join us? You can bring your girlfriend.

Mike: Well...er...I'm breaking up with Cathy.

John: What happened? Did you have a big fight?

Mike: No. She's really a very nice girl....

John: Yeah, she's pretty and caring.

Mike: Well, she's really caring, but sometimes it's too much...and uh...I kind of want a break, you know...some room for myself.

John: Did you talk with her about it?

Mike: I've tried, but...it didn't work.

John: Oh, I'm really sorry to hear that. When are you going to tell her?

Mike: Maybe tonight, I don't know. I don't know how to tell her.

John: I know she's head over heels in love with you and she'll really be hurt.

Mike: I know....

About the size of it 正是这样，情况就是如此

1. Used to show your agreement with someone who has said something correct

    正是；就是那么一回事

    例句：

    "So you mean you won't come to the party with me?" "Yes, that's about the size of it."

    “那么你的意思是你不和我一起参加聚会了？”“对，是这样。”

2.  An approximately accurate version of a situation, event, or circumstance.

     整个形势或情况就是如 此, 全部都说淸楚了（一般用于谈话的总结、结束）

     例句：

     Well,that’s about the size of it！See you tomorrow. 好吧，整个情况就是如此！明天见。

     That’ s about the size of it. You’ve understood it perfectly 一切都说清楚了，你已经完全明白了。

Going to a Movie 看电影

Conversation A:

George: Hi, Heather, I was wondering if you're free tomorrow night.

Heather: Well, George, I guess I am. Why do you ask?

George: I have just gotten a pair of pre-sale "Star Wars" movie tickets from a friend and was thinking of inviting you along for the opening premier. Are you interested?

Heather: Yeah, definitely! Thanks for inviting me!

George: No problem.

Heather: I really wanted to watch "Star wars" on the opening day but the pre-sale tickets were sold out. How did you manage to get hold of 'em?

George: A friend of mine works at the corporate headquarters of "Pepsi", which is a major sponsor of the movie. He was able to get the tickets for free, and then he sold 2 to me for $50 a piece.

Heather: You paid $50 for each ticket? That's a huge premium over the regular price!

George: Not really, considering the fact that other people are paying as high as $200 each on the "black market". Besides, I knew you were really looking forward to watching "Star Wars" on the opening day.

Heather: Wow, I'm really honored you went through all this trouble just for my sake. I really appreciate that. So, what time are we going?

George: Well, let's see. The movie starts at 10 PM. We should get there at least 1 hour earlier because there'll be a big line. I could pick you up at your house at 8, if that's OK with you.

Heather: 8 o'clock? That's fine with me.

George: Okay good.

Heather: So I'll see you tomorrow at 8 then?

George: Yeah. That's great. I'll see you tomorrow night, Heather.

Heather: Okay, George. Bye!

George: Bye, Heather.

Conversation B:

George: Wow, look at the line! It's worse than I expected. We're lucky we got here an hour early. Or else we would definitely have had problems getting good seats. I'm glad we made the effort to come early.

Heather: Me too. I learned my lesson the last time I went to a premier opening. I didn't arrive early enough and ended up with a terrible seat all the way in the front row! Believe me, it was one of the worst movie experiences ever.

George: Yeah! I hate sitting in the first row.

Heather: By the way, it was really thoughtful of you to get this ticket for me. Why don't I show you a bit of appreciation by getting you some popcorn and a drink?

George: That would be great!

Heather: OK. What kind of soda do you want?

George: Let me see... I'll take a large Coke. As for the popcorn, medium size will do. Thanks a lot.

Heather: I better get going. You hold my place and I'll be back real quick. Oh... I almost forgot. I better hold on to my ticket stub in case you get let in before I get back. If that happens, just save me a seat and I'll meet you inside.

George: Okay. It's a plan.

(Ten minutes later... inside the theater.)

George: Over here Heather, on your left!

Heather: There you are!

George: Here you go! I saved this seat just for you.

Heather: Thanks. Here's your popcorn and Coke. Sorry it took me so long. There was a huge line at the counter.

George: That's OK. Thank you so much. I love popcorn. Did you add butter?

Heather: Yes I did. I thought you might like butter on your popcorn. I'm glad I made it back before the trailers started. I like trailers. They're part of the whole movie-going experience.

George: I think so too. Even though they're just previews, they tend to be quite entertaining. You know movie trailers are a fundamental marketing tool for production companies. They greatly affect the initial appeal and overall gross profits of a film.

Heather: Speaking of which, I think the trailers are about to begin. Let's sit back and enjoy.

Conversation C:

George: So... what did you think about the movie?

Heather: Well... I think this "Star Wars" episode is an excellent piece of work. But not as good as the previous ones.

George: Really? I don't agree. This "Star Wars" episode was incredible!

Heather: Why do you think so?

George: Well, one of the most spectacular things about it are the special effects. State of the art special effects are the main reason for the success of the previous episodes, so audiences bear high expectations on this one. And I don't think they'll be disappointed.

Heather: You're right. The special effects were amazing! And I like that fact that they created so many fantastic settings and other-worldly costumes, weapons and creatures.

George: It's kind of cool that they still use the same "Star Wars" theme song for this movie.

Heather: Yeah! It reminds me of the previous "Star Wars" scenes.

George: I know exactly what you mean! Hearing that song gives me a nostalgic feeling.

Heather: I thought the overall plot of the movie was very interesting. But I don't think the character development was that strong.

George: Do you think that had anything to do with the casting of the movie?

Heather: No, the casting is great, the actors were excellent. They just didn't have a lot of funny or meaningful dialogue. The writing was a little weak.

George: Well, maybe, but I like the little kid who played young "Anakin Skywalker". I can't imagine anyone else playing that role.

Heather: I liked him too. He's soooo cute! You know, even though I was slightly disappointed, I can't wait for the next episode. I wonder when they're going to start making it and when it's scheduled for release?

George: I have no idea. But looking at the success of this "Star Wars" episode, I have a strong feeling production for the following episode will begin pretty soon. I hope it'll be even better than this one.

Heather: I hope so, too.

George: Well, I think we should go now. It's getting pretty late.

Heather: OK. Let's go

(To do an) About face 变卦、180度大转弯

about-face 就是指“（立场、观点等的）彻底改变”，换言之，也就是和原先的做法截然不同。about-face 的字面意思是“向后转，（朝反方向的）倒转，（朝反方向的）行进”。如：do an about-face and march away （向后转之后齐步走开）。about作为副词有“沿反方向、到反面位置”的意思，把about与face相结合，就是把脸向相反方向转动。

这个词源自于美国军事用语，后引申，最常用的意思是用来形容与原来相反的行为。例如：do a sudden and complete about-face on oil policy (在石油政策方面突然来一个180度的大转弯)。

另外，about-face也可作动词用，意思为“做向后转运动，倒转，向反方向行进”和“改弦易辙”。例如：The young man about-faced according to the order of the drillmaster. （年轻人依照教官的命令向后转）。

例句：

1. Few observers believe the president will do an about-face and start spending more. 

    没有几个观察家认为总统会彻底改变态度而增加开支。

2. The figures, I think, will do an about - face. 

    我想这些数字会有一百八十度的转变.

Ordering Lunch 订午餐

Karl: Do you have time to stop for lunch?

Ann: Yes, I'm hungry. This restaurant has a good selection and the prices are moderate.

Karl: That sounds fine with me. Let's try it.

Ann: Where do you want to sit, the smoking or the nonsmoking section?

Karl: I prefer nonsmoking, but the sign says to wait to be seated.

Hostess: Good afternoon. How many are in your party?

Ann: Just two and we'd like a booth in the nonsmoking section, if you have one.

Hostess: Right this way. Follow me. Will this booth be all right?

Karl: The one by the window would be better, thanks.

Ann: No problem. Here are your menus. Your server will be right with you.

Server: Hello, my name is Chris, and I'm your server today. May I bring you something to begin with, a drink or some appetizers perhaps?

Karl: No appetizer for me. I'll have a glass of water for now.

Ann: I'd like an iced tea, decaffeinated or herbal. What flavors do you have?

Server: We have mint, peach, or raspberry.

Ann: Bring me a large mint, please.

Server: Will that be all, or are you ready to order?

Karl: I'm ready. I'll have the veggie sandwich on whole wheat. Hold the mayonnaise, please.

Server: That comes with your choice of soup or a salad.

Karl: What soups do you have?

Server: We have potato, bean, vegetable beef, or cream of broccoli.

Karl: Does the potato soup have pork in it?

Server: Yes, it has pieces of ham.

Karl: Well, then I'll have the cream of broccoli.

Ann: I'd like a hamburger on a sour dough bun with plenty of onions, please.

Sever: How do you want your burger cooked, medium, or well done?

Ann: Medium will be fine, thanks.

Server: The burger comes with your choice of cole slaw or fries.

Ann: Make it fries, and please bring ketchup with them.

Server: Will that be all?

Karl: I think so. Please bring us the check when you return with our food. We're pressed for time