“窍门”的英文原来这么说! NEW WORDS: essential美 [ɪ'sɛnʃl] adj. 基本的;必要的; maritime美 ['mærɪtaɪm] adj. 海的;海事的; survive 美 [sɚ'vaɪv] vi. 幸存;活下来 KNOW THE ROPES This phrase has its origins in the golden age of sailing, when understanding how to handle the ropes necessary to operate a ship and its sails was an essential maritime skill. By the mid-19th century it was a common slang expression, and it survives to this day. 这个短语起源于航海的黄金时代,那时操控绳子对于操纵船和帆是一种至关重要,且基本的航海技能。到19世纪中叶,这是一种常见的俚语,并一直流传至今。 在不同的语境下可以理解为下面的意思 知道内情,很内行 拓展: learn the ropes摸到窍门[线索],弄清内幕 情景一:懂得诀窍,学到诀窍 She is new here and still doesn't know the ropes. 她是新手,还不懂得诀窍。 The business is new to him, but he will soon get to learn the ropes. 他对这门业务不熟悉,但他是会很快学会该怎么做的。 情景二:(做生意的)门道 Building a business is hard work — and it certainly helps to get some advice from people who know the ropes and know what traps to avoid. (FORBES: Build a Million-Dollar Business) 建立一个企业是一项艰苦的工作——当然,从懂行的人那里得到一些建议,并知道要避免什么样的陷阱,这无疑是有帮助的。