很多常用的表達法是如何進入到英語中來的已經無法考證了。這是很有意思的事,比如大家都知道的口語“OK”。關於它的起源,到現在還衆説不一。英語中和猴子有關的“猴語”也是如此。比如:
“猴語”(三):“活口扳手”monkey wrench
把活口扳子叫“猴子扳子”也許是指它的靈活性,但由它引申出來的“搗亂、破壞”之意從何而來就衹能猜測了(猴子喜歡搗亂、破壞?)。但這是一個非常常用的英語俗語:
“throw a monkey wrench into something”直譯是“把活口扳子仍進某某東西中去”,引申意思是“障礙,破壞,節外生枝”等。
We keep trying to get together, but her crazy schedule keeps throwing a monkey wrench into our plans. 我們一直想找機會相聚,但她那沒有規律的工作時間讓我們的計劃無法實現。
The boss threw a monkey wrench into our plans when he said we’d have to work Saturday. 當老闆通知我們星期六加班的時候,我們的周末計劃全打亂了。
“throw a monkey wrench in the works” 製造困難,找麻煩
I don’t want to throw a monkey wrench in the works, but have you checked your plans with a lawyer? 我不想給你找麻煩,但你的方案有沒有給律師看過?
When John suddenly refused to help us, he really threw a monkey wrench in the works.約翰對我們表示拒絕,這下把一切都打亂了。
我送給大家的“猴語”是:
Always be prepared for unexpected changes in this Year of the Monkey, because there might be people out there who want to throw a monkey wrench into your plans!
猴年要隨時準備應對預期之外的變化,因爲也許有人給你的計劃添亂!