【Speak English Like An American】Lesson 21

Amy Gillett 北极光翻译 2023-11-03

Susan Gets A Surprise Call

Donna from the National Cookie Company calls Susan. She wants to buy out Susan’s Scrumptious Cookies. Susan is very happy.

Susan: Hello?

Donna: Good afternoon. Are you Susan, of Susan’s Scrumptious Cookies?

Susan: Yes, I am.

Donna: My name is Donna Jenkins, and I’m calling from the National Cookie Company. We’re nuts about your cookies, and we’d like to sell them all over the country.

Susan: Unfortunately, we’re running on a shoestring out of our kitchen. We can’t make enough cookies for you.

Donna: My company wants to buy the recipe and the brand name from you.

Susan: Oh yeah? Why would you want to do that?

Donna: We have a successful track record of buying small companies and turning them into big ones.

Susan: In that case, I’m sure we can come to an agreement.

Donna: Great. You just made my day!

Susan: You’ll need to work out the nuts and bolts of the agreement with my husband. He’s the business manager.

Donna: May I speak with him now?

Susan: He’s at a meeting. I’ll have him get in touch with you when he returns.

Donna: Good. I look forward to speaking with him.

Idioms

all over- through out; everywhere 到处

EXAMPLE1: Nicole’s classmates are from all over the world, including Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Poland, and Ukraine.

EXAMPLE2: Oh no! I got ketchup all over my white sweater.

(to) come to an agreement- to reach an agreement 达成协议

EXAMPLE1: If we can come to an agreement now, I can start work on Monday.

EXAMPLE2: If you’re not willing to negotiate, it’s going to be very difficult for us to come to an agreement.

in that case- under that circumstance假如那样

Example1: It’s snowing? In that case, you’d better take the bus to school today instead of driving.

EXAMPLE2: You forgot your wallet at home today? In that case, you can borrow five bucks from me for lunch.

(to be or to get) in touch with (someone) - to be or to get in contact with (someone) 与……联系

Example1: I was surprised when Luis called me, since we hadn’t been in touch with each other since high school.

EXAMPLE2: Leave me your contact information in case I need to get in touch with you while you’re on vacation.

(to) look forward to— to anticipate eagerly 期盼

EXAMPLE1: I’m looking forward to my trip to Mexico next month.

EXAMPLE2: Ron has worked as a high school teacher for over 40 years. He’s really looking forward to retiring next year.

(to) make one’s day— to give one great satisfaction 使满意…；给…带来幸福

EXAMPLE 1: Our neighbors with the crazy dogs are moving away? That really makes my day!

Example 2: Thanks for bringing over those cookies last week. That made my day!

(to be) nuts about- see Lesson 14 专心于，热心于，迷恋

nuts and bolts- details; basic components of something 具体细节

EXAMPLE1: I don’t need to know the nuts and bolts of how the computer works —just show me how to turn it on.

EXAMPLE2: Simon really understands the nuts and bolts of how toilets work. He would bea very good plumber.

on a shoestring— on a very low budget 小本经营

EXAMPLE1: Bob and Susan were living on a shoestring after Bob lost his job. EXAMPLE 2: In the beginning, the Hewlett-Packard company ran on a shoestring out of agarage.

track record— a record of achievements or performances 业绩记录

EXAMPLE1: The women’s basketball team at the University of Connecticut has an excellent track record.

Example2: We’ve spoken to your past employers, so we know you’ve got an excellent track record.

(to) work out- to find a solution; to resolve 解决

EXAMPLE1: Nicole spent half the night helping Ted work out a very difficult chemistry problem.

EXAMPLE2: Sally couldn’t work out her problems with her neighbors, so she finally decided to move away.

NOTE:“Work out” has several other meanings, including:

1.succeed; prove effective. 设计出，做出

This plan won’t work out — you’ll need to go back to the drawing board and work outa new plan.

2.endure; last. 发展，持续

Tony and Angela argue all the time. I don’t think their marriage will work out.

3.exercise 锻炼