11.be in full swing 正在全力进行,处于活跃阶段
in full swing的意思是“活跃”。该习语的意思即引申为“处于(工作的)全面展开、进行阶段”。例如:the building project is in full swing.(这个建筑工程正处在全力进行之中。)
a: i hear your company in expanding its business. 我听说你们公司正在扩展生意。
b: yeah. we’re setting up a new factory now and the work on it is in full swing. the project will be completed in three months. 是的,我们正在新建一个工厂。工程正处于全面施工阶段,三个月内就可以完工了。
12.be in high gear 全力进行
gear指“齿轮,传动装置”,high gear的意思是汽车的“高速档”。该习语字面意思为“机器正处在高速档(快速运转)”,实际指“事物正处在全力进行当中”。
a: by the way, how is your business going? is it proceeding smoothly? 哎,你的生意最近如何?进展还顺利吗?
b: yes, it’s in high gear. 一切都在全力进行。
13.be itching for a chance to do 很想找个机会试一试
形容词itching的意思是“渴望的”,be itching to do意为“渴望做某事”;for a chance指“找机会”,因此整个习语的意思即为“渴望得到机会试做某事”。
a: i am itching for a chance to cooperate with mike. i hear he’s a very competent person. 我很想找机会和迈克合作一次。听说他特别能干。
b: everyone who has worked with him will have a deep impression on that point. 是的。每个和他一起工作的人都对此深有体会。
14.be of one mind 意见一致,看法相同
mind可指“头脑,心神”。该习语直译为“一个脑子想出的问题”,由此可以引申为“意见统一、看法相同”的意思。
a: what do the board think about this plan? 董事会对这项计划怎么看?
b: they are of one mind in passing it. 他们一致通过。
a: good news. 太好啦。
15.be of two minds 拿不定主意
be of two minds和be in two minds的意思基本相同,均表示“左右摇摆”或“拿不定主意,下不了决心”。例如:don’t depend on him to decide. he always seems to be of two minds on important matters.(别指望他能做出决定。在重要事情上他好像总拿不定主意。)
a: are you ready to take the plunge and pound the pavements for new one? 你是否准备大胆采取措施,排除障碍,重新再来?
b: i’m still of two minds. but i do seem to like to quit my present job. 我依然犹疑不决。我确实想放弃现在的工作。
a: what kind of job are you aiming at? i mean, do you have a particular job in mind? 你想做什么样的工作? 我的意思是说,在你脑子里有没有特别的选择?
b: i have a good mind to go into business. i think i can be equally successful as most other women in business. 我想进军商海。我想我会得到与商海里其他女性同样的成功。