新东方在线时时学英语 20070112

Part One 你听不懂的

feather in one’s cap 值得骄傲的成就，荣耀

It was a feather in Hank’s cap the he was invited to the news conference¹ held in the presidential palace, which had limitation² on the number of reporters.

Stella won the piano contest yesterday and it was really a feather in her cap.

It was a feather in his cap for the new teacher when he was made head of the history department.

Get down to brass³ tacks⁴ 谈重要的事，谈实质的问题

We have spent too much time on meaningless details. Why don’t we get down to brass tacks?

Part Two 你说不出的

---It looks like the kids are all set to go, so we’re going to take off.

---So soon?

---I’m afraid so. The kids have to finish their homework.

---Oh, right. Tomorrow’s Monday.

---Right. Anyway, thanks for a great time. It’s been fun.

---Thanks. I’m glad you could come.

---You and Marry should come by our place for dinner some time.

---I’d like that. Well, don’t be a stranger.

---We won’t . so long.

---Bye.

Part Three 有趣的故事

天主教在世界历史上的重要作用

1 conference   

n.（正式的）会议；讨论

参考例句：

• We're having a conference and we'd like you to sit in.我们将举行一次会议，希望你来旁听。
• The conference will come to a close this afternoon.今天下午会议闭幕。

2 limitation   

n.限制；局限

参考例句：

• I am willing to accept certain limitation on my freedom.我愿意接受对我自由的某些限制。
• We shall continue to work for the limitation of nuclear arms.我们将继续为限制核子武器而努力。

3 brass   

n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器

参考例句：

• Many of the workers play in the factory's brass band.许多工人都在工厂铜管乐队中演奏。
• Brass is formed by the fusion of copper and zinc.黄铜是通过铜和锌的熔合而成的。

4 tacks   

大头钉( tack的名词复数 )； 平头钉； 航向； 方法

参考例句：

• Never mind the side issues, let's get down to brass tacks and thrash out a basic agreement. 别管枝节问题，让我们讨论问题的实质，以求得基本一致。
• Get down to the brass tacks,and quit talking round the subject. 谈实质问题吧，别兜圈子了。