2014英语四级听力练习:慢速英语8.31

　　Now, the Special English program WORDS AND THEIR STORIES.

　　There are many American expressions about insects -- like bees, for example. Bees are known as very hard workers. They always appear to be busy, moving around in their homes, or hives. So you might say you were as busy as a bee if you spent your weekend cleaning your house.

　　In fact, you might say your house was a beehive of activity if your whole family was helping you clean. You also might say you made a beeline for something if you went there right away. When we go to see a movie, my friend always makes a beeline for the place where they sell popcorn.

　　Here is an expression about bees that is not used much any more, but we like it anyway. We think it was first used in the nineteen twenties. If something was the best of its kind, you might say it was the bees knees. Now, we admit that we do not know how this expression developed. In fact, we do not even know if bees have knees!

　　If your friend cannot stop talking about something because she thinks it is important, you might say she has a bee in her bonnet. If someone asks you a personal question, you might say that is none of your beeswax. This means none of your business.

　　Speaking of personal questions, there is an expression people sometimes use when their children ask, where do babies come from? Parents who discuss sex and reproduction say this is talking about the birds and the bees.

　　Hornets are bee-like insects that sometimes attack people. If you are really angry, you might say you are mad as a hornet. And if you stir up a hornets nest, you create trouble or problems.

　　Butterflies are beautiful insects, but you would not want to have butterflies in your stomach. That means to be nervous about having to do something, like speaking in front of a crowd. You would also not want to have ants in your pants. That is, to be restless and unable to sit still.

　　Here are some expressions about plain old bugs, another word for insects. If a friend keeps asking you to do something you do not want to do, you might ask him to leave you alone or stop bugging me. A friend also might tell you again and again to do something. If so, you might say he put a bug in your ear.

　　If you were reading a book in your warm bed on a cold winters day, you might say you were snug as a bug in a rug. And if you wish someone good night, you might say, sleep tight -- dont let the bed bugs bite.

　　This Special English program was written by Shelley Gollust. Im Faith Lapidus.

　　词汇讲解：

　　1. appear vi. 出现;显露

　　例句：Gradually a smile appeared on her face.

　　她脸上渐渐地露出笑容。

　　2. activity n. 活动;活动力

　　例句：He once engaged in anti-government activity.

　　他一度从事反政府的活动。

　　3. admit vt. 承认

　　例句：You must admit the task to be difficult.

　　你得承认这个任务是艰巨的。

　　4. attack vt. 进攻,袭击

　　例句：The enemy attacked our airport all night.

　　敌人彻夜都在攻击我们的机场。

　　5. create vt. 创造;创作;设计

　　例句：An artist should create beautiful things.

　　一个艺术家应该创造美丽的东西。

　　6. bite vt. 咬;啃

　　例句：My sisters dog bit me yesterday.

　　我妹妹的狗昨天咬了我。

　　短语讲解：

　　1. In fact, you might say your house was a beehive of activity if your whole family was helping you clean. You also might say you made a beeline for something if you went there right away.

　　In fact 事实上

　　例句：I think so; in fact, I am quite sure.

　　我想如此,事实上我十分相信如此。

　　right away 马上

　　例句：I want it typed right away, please.

　　请立刻把它打印出来.

　　2. Here is an expression about bees that is not used much any more, but we like it anyway.

　　any more 较多些，再

　　例句：He paid up without any more ado.

　　他不再啰嗦就付了钱。

　　3. If your friend cannot stop talking about something because she thinks it is important, you might say she has a bee in her bonnet.

　　talk about 谈论

　　例句：He went on to talk about his accident.

　　他接着谈到了他的意外事故。

　　4. That means to be nervous about having to do something, like speaking in front of a crowd.

　　in front of 在...的前面

　　例句：I feel uneasy in front of an audience.

　　我在观众面前感到不自在。