VOA慢速英语2018--'Loose Cannons' Are Dangerous

 

Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories.

On this show, we explore the world of American English. We talk about common expressions, where they come from and, most importantly, how to use them.

Today we talk about behavior and self-control. There are ways of behaving that almost everyone considers normal or comes to expect.

Children learn very early that some behaviors are more accepted than others. They learn how to control themselves and how to behave in certain situations. This learning continues into adulthood¹.

Well, for most people it does. Not everyone behaves how they are expected to.

So today, we talk about loose cannons²!

A good word to describe a loose cannon³ is unpredictable. You never know how an unpredictable person will act in any given situation.

But not all unpredictable people are loose cannons.

Some people often change their minds about things. Or they surprise you by doing something they do not usually do, or that is out of character. We could describe such people as changeable, uncertain or -- here’s a good word -- fickle⁴.

But I would not describe a loose cannon as fickle. Fickle people can be annoying but they are not usually dangerous.

Loose cannons, on the other hand, are often unpredictable in violent ways. So, they can be very dangerous! A good word to describe a loose cannon is volatile⁵, or likely to explode!

So where did the expression “loose cannon” come from?

By definition, a cannon is a large gun that shoots heavy metal or stone balls. Because of their weight, cannons have to be firmly tied down.

Hundreds of years ago, cannons were often found on battleships. Sometimes a battle at sea with another warship⁶ or a storm would free them from their mounting⁷. As you can imagine, a loose cannon rolling around could do serious damage to a ship and her crew.

We can say the same about a person who is a “loose cannon.”

Loose cannons, both the guns and people, are difficult to control. Their unpredictable behavior can cause problems for them and others. Family, friends, coworkers or larger groups, such as a sports team or political party can all be affected⁸ by a loose cannon.

You are not sure how loose cannons will react to something. They could get angry, losing their temper at the smallest thing.

Now, let's hear how these words and expressions can be used.

Okay. So, local officials are meeting tomorrow night to decide whether or not our neighborhood gets a new school. We need to bring some people who can speak about this issue.

Let’s ask D.J. from across the street. He works at a school.

No way! He’s a loose cannon! One minute he seems fine, but the next he is shouting and hitting the table.

Hmm. What about Helen?

Helen! She’s more unpredictable and volatile than D.J. One wrong word and she could explode. They are both loose cannons.

Well, can you think of any other people? How about Matthew?

No. The city council banned him from attending any meetings for one year.

Are you serious?

Yes. At the last meeting he completely lost his temper and actually hit someone!

Wow! I’m feeling our neighbors are a collection of loose cannons.

Maybe … let’s not tell them about the meeting. They will do more harm than good!

She is dangerous. She has such little self-control.

And that is Words and Their Stories for this week. I’m Anna Matteo.

Is there someone in your life who is a volatile loose cannon? Let us know in the Comments Section.

You know she’s coming. She is a loose cannon. All you can do is run. Loose cannon …

Words in This Story

out of character – phrase not in keeping with someone's usual pattern of behavior : character – n. the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves : someone's personality

uncertain – adj. not sure : having some doubt about something

fickle – adj. changing often : changing opinions often

annoying – adj. causing slight anger

volatile – adj. characterized⁹ by or subject to rapid or unexpected change

mounting – n. something on which something else is or can be attached

temper – n. heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger

1 adulthood   

n.成年，成人期

参考例句：

• Some infantile actions survive into adulthood.某些婴儿期的行为一直保持到成年期。
• Few people nowadays are able to maintain friendships into adulthood.如今很少有人能将友谊维持到成年。

2 cannons   

n.加农炮，大炮，火炮( cannon的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Cannons bombarded enemy lines. 大炮轰击了敌军阵地。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• One company had been furnished with six cannons. 某连队装备了六门大炮。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 cannon   

n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮

参考例句：

• The soldiers fired the cannon.士兵们开炮。
• The cannon thundered in the hills.大炮在山间轰鸣。

4 fickle   

adj.(爱情或友谊上)易变的，不坚定的

参考例句：

• Fluctuating prices usually base on a fickle public's demand.物价的波动往往是由于群众需求的不稳定而引起的。
• The weather is so fickle in summer.夏日的天气如此多变。

5 volatile   

adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质

参考例句：

• With the markets being so volatile,investments are at great risk.由于市场那么变化不定，投资冒着很大的风险。
• His character was weak and volatile.他这个人意志薄弱，喜怒无常。

6 warship   

n.军舰，战舰

参考例句：

• He is serving on a warship in the Pacific.他在太平洋海域的一艘军舰上服役。
• The warship was making towards the pier.军舰正驶向码头。

7 mounting   

n.装备；衬托纸；登上；乘骑adj.上升的，增长的v.登上，骑上( mount的现在分词 )；增加，上升；上演；准备

参考例句：

• There is mounting tension along the border. 边境局势日趋紧张。
• Though he felt his anger mounting, he kept perfect control of himself. 虽然他觉得越来越生气，但还是很好地控制住了自己。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

8 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

9 characterized   

adj.[医]具有特征的v.是…的特征( characterize的过去式和过去分词 )；以…为特征；描述（人或物）的特性；使…具有特点（或最引人注目的特征）

参考例句：

• Mozart's music is characterized by its naivety and clarity. 莫扎特的音乐特色是纯朴兴清澈。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The world situation is characterized by turbulence and intranquility. 世界局势动荡不安。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》