ESL Podcast 572 – Blowing the Whistle at Work

Becky: What are we going to do?

Saeed: I don't know. I need time to think about the ramifications¹ of blowing the whistle.

Becky: There are no two ways about it. If we step up and do the right thing, we are putting our jobs on the line.

Saeed: But we can't keep quiet about this. If it gets out, and we knew about it all along, we’ll get into even more trouble. And plus, think of how many people would be hurt if we kept our mouths shut. Could we live with that?

Becky: Maybe there is a way for us to protect our interests and still do the right thing. Maybe we could be anonymous² whistleblowers.

Saeed: Don't count on being able to remain anonymous. When this thing blows up, we’ll be in knee-deep. There's only one thing to do.

Becky: What?

Saeed: I have to put my money where my mouth is and go public with what we know. I’ll just have to let the chips fall where they may.

Becky: Don’t be too hasty³. Let's sleep on it and talk about it tomorrow.

Saeed: You can do that if you want to, but I've made up my mind. The question is: Are you with me?


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 ramifications   

n.结果，后果( ramification的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• These changes are bound to have widespread social ramifications. 这些变化注定会造成许多难以预料的社会后果。
• What are the ramifications of our decision to join the union? 我们决定加入工会会引起哪些后果呢？ 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 anonymous   

adj.无名的；匿名的；无特色的

参考例句：

• Sending anonymous letters is a cowardly act.寄匿名信是懦夫的行为。
• The author wishes to remain anonymous.作者希望姓名不公开。

3 hasty   

adj.草率的，急速的，匆忙的，仓促完成的

参考例句：

• She's too hasty;she should learn to think before speaking.她太轻率了，她应该学会话出口前想一想。
• You will have time for a hasty snack before the train leaves.火车离站前你还能抓紧时间吃一顿快餐。