英语听力精选进阶版 19576

Cold Feet 胆怯

Li: Hi Rob¹. How are you today?

Rob: Hello Li. I'm really angry.

Li: Why?

Rob: Well, because I work very hard, I get results, I do much more than I really should, and nobody notices - I don't get any recognition².

Li: Yes, you do work hard, Rob. You should earn a fortune!

Rob: I know. You see, that's it! I'm going to go and see the boss right now! I am going to ask for a pay rise!

Li: Good on you, Rob. Right now?

Rob: Yes, right now! 

(brief silence)

Li: Rob... you're not going anywhere? 

Rob: Yes, I know. 

Li: So what are you waiting for? 

Rob: Well… actually, I'm getting cold feet. 

Li: That's no problem at all. Let's see… I have a solution right here… There you go. Take these. 

Rob: Thick, woolly socks? 

Li: Yes. Well you should feel warm when talking to a tough boss like ours! Come on, use these.

Rob: It's okay.There's nothing wrong with my feet, Li. In English, when we say we've 'got cold feet' we mean we lack the confidence³ or courage to do something. 

Li: Oh, I see…. 原来所谓的脚发凉 'cold feet' 意思就是汉语中的腿发软的意思，换句话说就是胆怯了，没有信心和勇气了。 

Rob: Yes, I must admit I am a bit. Let's hear some examples of how to use today's expression 'cold feet'.

Mary knew Tony had bought her engagement⁴ ring and was planning to propose⁵ on Valentine's Day. She just hoped he wouldn't get cold feet before then.

The company directors⁶ were getting cold feet about a deal which could make or break their business.

Rob: So, no need for these socks. But thank you anyway, Li. 

Li: Maybe next week you can approach the boss and remind him what a good worker you are. 

Rob: Good idea. Maybe that's the right way to do it. 

Li: One thing is true: your cold feet saved you from your hot head. 

Rob: Yes, indeed! 

Li: Bye-bye.

Rob: Bye.

1 rob   

v.抢劫；vi.抢劫，盗窃；vt.非法剥夺，使丧失，抢劫

参考例句：

• Two men formed a plot to rob the bank.两人制定了抢劫那家银行的秘密计划。
• They were scheming to rob the bank.他们在密谋抢劫银行。

2 recognition   

n.承认，认可，认出，认识

参考例句：

• The place has changed beyond recognition.这地方变得认不出来了。
• A sudden smile of recognition flashed across his face.他脸上掠过一丝笑意，表示认识对方。

3 confidence   

n.信任，信托，自信，信心，把握，大胆，厚颜，过于自信，狂妄

参考例句：

• We have full confidence in our victory.我们有必胜的把握。
• I should like to exchange a few words with you in confidence.我想私下和你交换点意见。

4 engagement   

n.订婚，婚约，约定，约会

参考例句：

• I can't see you on Monday because I have a previous engagement.星期一我不能见你，因为我有约在先。
• It was my mother's very own engagement ring.这正是我母亲自己的订婚戒指。

5 propose   

v.提出，建议；提名，推荐

参考例句：

• Did he propose marriage to you?他向你求婚了吗？
• I propose resting for an hour.我建议休息一小时。

6 directors   

n.主管( director的名词复数 )；董事；负责人；导演

参考例句：

• I have had the good fortune to work with some brilliant directors. 我有幸与一些卓越的主管人员共事。
• one of the most exciting directors of the Australian new wave 澳大利亚新浪潮派中最为振奋人心的导演之一