1. 认识这个词(基础篇)
词:slippery slope
英英释义:a bad situation or habit which, after it has started, is likely to get very much worse
例句:Once you start to lie, you are on a slippery slope.
2. 体会这个词 (进阶篇)
“slippery slope”是个习惯表达,它的字面意思是“光滑的斜坡”,常用来表示“滑向深渊的道路”,如果不及时采取措施这种状况就会变得更糟。它是个非常形象、适合用在口语和写作中的精彩表达,当我们想表达“something becomes worse”时就可以用 slippery slope 来替换。
比如我们常说,撒了一个谎,结果需要无数个谎言来弥补,结果就会一步错步步错,就可以用“slippery slope”说成:
Once you start to lie, you are on a slippery slope.
或者
The first fib can put you on a slippery slope to bigger lies.
我们还常说“拆东墙补西墙”,时间久了就会越来越糟糕,债台高筑。这时就可以说:
We've been on a slippery slope of borrowing more money to pay off the debts we already owe.
或者
Over-borrowing will inevitably lead the borrower down a slippery slope.
《经济学人》中也经常用到 slippery slope,比如在报道“协助死亡”(assisted dying)时说:
And evidence from places that have allowed assisted dying suggests that there is no slippery slope towards widespread euthanasia.(这句话是说允许协助死亡并不会导致越来越多的人选择安乐死)
slippery slope 和我们之前学过的 go downhill 差不过,可以借此复习一下 downhill的用法。
3. 从认识到会用(作业)
1)翻译下面的句子:
他的傲慢与固执将注定他会走向失败。
His arrogance and tenacity will inevitably lead him down a slippery slope to failure.
(参考翻译: His arrogance and obstinacy will lead him down a slippery slope to failure. )
2)结合自己的生活、学习、工作、兴趣等,想象在什么语境下会用到这个表达。先简要描述这个场景,再造句。
场景: 放弃的想法将注定他会走向失败。
造句:The idea of giving up will inevitably lead him down a slippery slope to failure.
Once you start to give up, you are on a slippery slope.
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