语音讲解: (点击右键“另存为”可下载语音)
at the drop of a hat
Definition: quickly and easily, without needing to decide ...
【世博精解】
中世纪,在欧洲社会中,流行着决斗的风气。在决斗之前,往往把帽子狠狠地往地下一摔,这就意味着决斗马上就开始了。At the drop of a hat这一惯用语现在的意思是“一有机会就…”“想都不用想就…”,“帽子一撂”这个原意表现出很容易、很快,不需要再做什么思考,就…(开始决斗了)。我们可以用这个惯用语表示某事发生地很快、很突然、毫无防备。如Tom Atkins is usually a good-hearted friendly guy. But he has one problem - a hot temper. Say something he doesn't agree with, and he'll start a loud argument at the drop of a hat.类似的例子还有:I can’t go rushing off to Florida at the drop of a hat.常常我们还用这个惯用语表示“一有机会就会做一直想做的事”。比如I would take a job like that at the drop of a hat.这时常常翻译成“想都不想就…”
Example dialog :
A: Would you travel around the world if you could?"
如果有机会,你会环游世界吗?
B: At the drop of a hat!
当然会!想都不用想。(那还用说!)
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