英文短篇故事（纽约）446 Complaining Wives

 　　Bob said, "Boy, does my wife complain. Yesterday, she complained that I didn't rinse¹ my mouth thoroughly² after brushing my teeth. She could still smell toothpaste on my breath³. She hates the smell of mint⁴." Bill said, "My wife's like yours. Yesterday, she complained that I left the toilet seat up. I did, but it was the first time in about six months. I mean, c'mon, give a guy a break." Bob said, "I've learned⁵ one thing over the years. If you say Yes, Dear often enough, loud enough, and fast enough, they complain less." Bill said, "But be careful. My wife complained last night that I said Yes, Dear too fast." Bob asked, "Too fast? How can you say it too fast?" Bill said, "She said that I said Yes, Dear before she had even finished talking. It proved that I wasn't listening—'as usual!'—to her every word."

1 rinse   

v.用清水漂洗，用清水冲洗

参考例句：

• Give the cup a rinse.冲洗一下杯子。
• Don't just rinse the bottles. Wash them out carefully.别只涮涮瓶子，要仔细地洗洗里面。

2 thoroughly   

adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地

参考例句：

• The soil must be thoroughly turned over before planting.一定要先把土地深翻一遍再下种。
• The soldiers have been thoroughly instructed in the care of their weapons.士兵们都系统地接受过保护武器的训练。

3 breath   

n.呼吸，气息，微风，迹象，精神，一种说话的声音

参考例句：

• I'm just going out for a breath of fresh air.我正要出去呼吸新鲜空气。
• While climbing up the stairs the old man always loses his breath.那老人上楼时总是气喘吁吁的。

4 mint   

n.薄荷，铸币厂；vt.铸造（硬币），创造（词）等

参考例句：

• The mint makes coins.铸币厂制造硬币。
• This candy tastes of mint.这糖果有薄荷味。

5 learned   

adj.有学问的，博学的；learn的过去式和过去分词

参考例句：

• He went into a rage when he learned about it.他听到这事后勃然大怒。
• In this little village,he passed for a learned man.在这个小村子里，他被视为有学问的人。