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菲菲在学游泳,Rob 在做复杂的报表,两个人都遇到了问题。但是他们的问题为什么都和 “out of your depth” 这个表达有关系呢?听他们的对话,学习这个 “水没头顶,无法驾驭” 的形象比喻。
(关于台词的备注: 请注意这不是广播节目的逐字稿件。本文稿可能没有体现录制、编辑过程中对节目做出的改变。)
Feifei
大家好,欢迎来到 BBC 英语教学的《地道英语》节目。我是冯菲菲。
Rob
…and hello, I'm Rob. Feifei, why's your hair wet – it's not raining, is it?
Feifei
No, Rob. I've just been for my swimming lesson. It was a bit scary actually.
Rob
Why's that?
Feifei
今天游泳课上,我第一次游到深水区,脚踩不到地,所以慌了神,最后救生员跳进池子,拉了我一把。
Rob
Oh dear, Feifei. It sounds like you were out of your depth!
Feifei
“Out of my depth 水深超过了我的身高”?Yes, I suppose I was.
Rob
Well I'm out my depth too.
Feifei
What - you're learning to swim too?
Rob
No, I'm struggling to complete this project about statistics that the boss has asked me to do. I know nothing about statistics and numbers – it's just too difficult and I just can't do it. So I am out of my depth.
Feifei
我明白了。表达 “out of one’s depth” 可以描述一个人因为知识或能力不足,而无法胜任某项工作。就像水深超过身高,没过头顶一样。当然,这只是个比喻。
Rob
Exactly. Let's hear some examples.
Examples
I'm so out of my depth in this new job. I haven't got a clue what to do!
When everyone started talking about politics, I knew I was out of my depth. So I politely made my excuses and went home.
He was clearly out of his depth in the match – he lacked any skill and couldn't even pass the ball!
Feifei
这里是 BBC 英语教学的《地道英语》节目。这集节目中介绍的表达是 “out of one’s depth”,用来描述一个人因能力有限,无法驾驭或不能胜任工作。Well, Rob, I may be able to save you! I love statistics and can help you out.
Rob
Oh that's great. And I can help you improve your swimming.
Feifei
Oh yes? How can you do that?
Rob
You can borrow my armbands so you'll never sink, even in the deep end. You'll never be out of your depth again!
Feifei
Thanks, but I think I should learn to swim properly. Anyway, when do you need to complete this project for the boss by?
Rob
Errr… now.
Feifei
Oh. Come on then. We had better go and get on with it, otherwise the boss will throw you in deep end! Bye.
Rob
Bye.