在西方历史上占有举足轻重地位的《圣经》,不仅仅是一种宗教的象征,其中故事里的许多说法与典故已经深深渗透到人们的日常语言中,因此了解其中的一些知识是十分必要的。
一、运用特指的建筑物名称,地名等进行表述
1. Garden of Eden 伊甸园。比喻为“人间天堂,乐园”。
From: The Book of Genesis
Example: This place is thought the Garden of Eden by young people.(在年轻人看来,这个地方是他们的伊甸园。)
2. Tower of Babel 巴别塔。比喻为“空想,空中阁楼”。
From: The Book of Genesis
Example: They think Mike’s plan is the Tower of Babel.(他们认为迈克的计划是空想。)
二、运用特指的日常生活用品进行描述
1. Aaron’s rod 亚伦的杖。比喻为“大权在握”。
From: The Book of Exodus
Example: What do you want if you are given Aaron’s rod?(如果你大权在握,你想要什么?)
2. a widow’s cruse 寡妇的坛子。比喻为“貌似有限但取之不竭的财源”。
From: The Book of Kings
Example: In Susan’s yard, the little well is a widow’s cruse, which never dries, even in the severe season of drought.(苏姗家院子里的小井有着取之不竭的水,再干旱的季节都不会干涸。)
3. coat of many colors 彩衣。比喻为“恩宠”。
From: The Book of Genesis
Example: In our classroom, Mary is the one wearing a coat of many colors before our teachers.(在我们班,玛丽是我们老师最喜爱的学生。)
三、两种熟悉的事物合用,表述一种含义。
1. pillar of cloud and pillar of fire 云柱和火柱。比喻为“指明灯”。
From: The Book of Exodus
Example: Jane regards her teachers as pillar of cloud and pillar of fire in her life.(简把她的老师们当作自己人生的指明灯。)
2. loaves and fishes 面包和鱼。比喻为“物质利益,实惠,好处”。
From: The Gospel According to John
Example: They seek office, not to be useful to the state, but for the loaves and fishes.(他们谋求公职,不是为了对国家有用,而是为了个人私利。)
3. dove and olive leaf 鸽子和橄榄枝。比喻为“和平,和解”。
From: The Book of Genesis
Example: They are flying flags of dove and olive leaf instead of war.(他们提出要和平,不要战争。)
(南京师范大学通讯员朱宇清 英语点津姗姗编辑) |