来源：BBC英语教学

　　原标题：To keep the wolf from the door 勉强度日　

wolf

　　The script of this programme 本节目台词

　　Li: 大家好。欢迎收听地道英语。我是杨莉…

　　Rob: …and me Rob. I suppose we had better explain an authentic English phrase then。

　　Li: Oh cheer up Rob – why are you sounding so miserable?

　　Rob: Well I wasn't going to say anything but… well, I've got problems… financial problems。

　　Li: Rob 遇到了经济困难，也就是钱方面的问题 – I'm sorry to hear that. What's happened?

　　Rob: I had to get my car fixed, I had to get a plumber round to fix a leaking pipe, I received a huge tax bill and then to add to it all, I lost my wallet yesterday – I'm doing my best to keep the wolf from the door。

　　Li: 一只狼？！不让狼进你家门？You really have got problems if you've got to keep a wolf out of your house!

　　Rob: Not a real wolf. When people say they're trying to keep the wolf from the door they mean they've only just got enough money to survive。

　　Li: Oh I see! 原来所谓的“不让狼进门”这个比喻性的短语，意思就是“竭尽全力勉强度日，维持基本生存”或者说“将就能养家糊口，维持生存”。So you just have enough money to eat and live?

　　Rob: Yes, it's not a good position to be in. Let's hear more examples of the phrase in action…

　　Examples

•   I'm going to have to sell my car if I'm to keep the wolf from the door。
•   It's tough being a student, I study all day then have to do an evening job just to keep the wolf from the door。
•   We've only just saved enough money to keep the wolf from the door。

　　Li: 这么说你的钱只够一家人糊口，维持生存。 OK Rob, I get it… with all your bills to pay you really are struggling to keep the wolf from the door – so what are you going to do?

　　Rob: I need to ask a really good friend to lend me some money。

　　Li: Rob 希望有谁能借给他一点儿钱 – so you need to find a good friend then?

　　Rob: Yes, a really good friend – like you Li? I know you have some spare cash。

　　Li: Sorry Rob, I've just spent that on a really nice holiday。

　　(Sound of wolf knocking at the door)

　　Rob: Huh! What's that?

　　Li: It sounds like the wolf is really at the door. Go on then, here's ten pounds。

　　Rob:(Disappointed) Oh thanks!

　　Both: Bye!

BBC英语教学