中国人常用“摩拳擦掌”来形容“做好了准备,跃跃欲试”的样子。那么,英国人表达类似意思时,会用什么呢?答案是:on one's toes!
在中文里,“摩拳擦掌”这个成语非常形象地描述了一个人准备行动时的兴奋和专注状态。想象一下,一个人把拳头揉搓着擦拭,准备大显身手,这种画面非常生动。
但是,英国人不“摩拳擦掌”,他们是“用脚做准备”——也就是“on one's toes”。直译是“脚尖上”,意思是脚趾蹬地,随时准备起跑。
“on one's toes”这个短语源自短跑比赛。比赛开始前,运动员们站在起跑线(scratch line)上,脚尖蹬地,随时等待发令枪响。枪声一响,运动员们就会迅速用脚尖发力冲出起跑线。这种状态就是“on one's toes”,表示保持警觉,随时准备行动。
所以,这个短语不仅用来形容准备好行动,也表示“留神的”、“警觉的”意思。
1. Our school was expecting a visit from the Director of Education, and the principal told us to be on our toes and be ready to answer questions.
我们学校正期待教育署长的来访,校长告诉我们要随时保持警觉,准备回答问题。
2. During the meeting, you need to stay on your toes because the boss might ask unexpected questions.
会议期间你得保持警觉,因为老板可能会问一些意想不到的问题。
3. The soldiers were on their toes all night, ready to react to any danger.
士兵们整晚保持警惕,随时准备应对任何危险。
除了“on one's toes”,英语里还有一些表达也和“准备好”、“警觉”相关,了解这些短语能让你的英语更丰富。
Be alert — 警觉,留神
例句:You have to be alert when crossing the street.
过马路时你得保持警觉。
Ready for action — 准备行动
例句:The team was ready for action as soon as the signal was given.
一接到信号,团队就准备行动了。
On the ball — 机灵,反应快
例句:She’s really on the ball and quickly solved the problem.
她反应很快,很快解决了问题。
想让你的口语更地道,可以用下面的句型练习:
Be on your toes when + 情况
例:Be on your toes when talking to clients.
和客户交流时要保持警觉。
Keep someone on their toes — 让某人保持警觉
例:The manager keeps the team on their toes with surprise tests.
经理通过突击测试让团队保持警觉。
Stay on your toes — 保持警觉
例:You have to stay on your toes in this fast-paced job.
在这份节奏快的工作中你必须保持警觉。