新概念英语第四册09-02

regard sb with sth: 看待

regard sb with respect /love/awe/hatred .

knowing : 表伴随, 原因

pigeonhole=position 位置

could do with could do with :将就 凑合 do with=need,需求

中间插入语进一步强调必要性

if only to... 哪怕只是为了... , as long as ...只要

release some energy: 释放能量

We are asked 表示无奈为之 被动

negative: 否定 反对党

以下是点睛之笔 比喻 暗喻:

The engine is falling to pieces while the joint owners of the car argue whether the footbrake or the handbrake should be applied.

engine: 引擎 发动机 joint owners: 共同主人 apply=use

car:国家 engine:governing body 统治体 owners=committee men

handbrake,footbrake = able men 有才能的人,能挽救国家衰亡的人 original ,creative

regard them with horror, knowing that no pigeonholes can be found for them. We

could do with a few original, creative men in our political life—if only to create some enthusiasm, release some energy--but where are they? We are asked to choose between various shades of the negative. The engine is falling to pieces while the

joint owners of the car argue whether the footbrake or the handbrake should be applied. ...