迷你对话学地道口语第563期:打开天窗说亮话

　　Subject：I wish that you would put your cards on the table.
迷你对话
A: Terry, you are my best friend. So I will treat you tonight. But, of course, I need you to do me a small favor.
Terry，你是我最好的朋友了。所以我今天晚上要款待你，但是，当然，我需要你帮我一个小忙。
B: What do you really want to say? I wish that you would put your cards on the table.
你到底想说什么呀？我希望你干脆把话挑明。
地道表达
put one’s card on the table
1. 解词释义
我们汉语中有句话是“打开天窗说亮话。”在英语中也有一个类似的表达：put one’s card on the table。其意思和中文的“摊牌”非常相似。用来表示“有什么事情直说，公开谈论，摆在桌面上来摊牌，把自己的打算全盘拖出”的意思。其英文解释为：be open and honest, reveal one’s position or intentions, to be completely straightforward¹ and open, conceal² nothing。
2. 拓展例句
e.g. We can only reach agreement if we both put our card on the table.
我们双方只有摊开来说才能达成协议。
e.g. Perhaps you will make some progress if you put your card on the table.
如果你开诚布公,也许会取得某些进展。
Ps ：do sb a favor的意思是“帮某人一个忙”。帮某人一个小忙，不大费劲的，在favor面前加上small，如果是费劲的，在favor面前加上big。例如：
It's sound policy to do a favor before seeking one. 先助人后求助是良策。
Will you do me a favor and phone for me ? 你能否帮个忙给我打个电话？

1 straightforward   

adj.正直的，坦率的；易懂的，简单的

参考例句：

• A straightforward talk is better than a flowery speech.巧言不如直说。
• I must insist on your giving me a straightforward answer.我一定要你给我一个直截了当的回答。

2 conceal   

v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽

参考例句：

• He had to conceal his identity to escape the police.为了躲避警方，他只好隐瞒身份。
• He could hardly conceal his joy at his departure.他几乎掩饰不住临行时的喜悦。