生活英语|slow boat to China 做某件事需要花费非常长的时间

1. Slow Boat to China

We use this expression to describe something that is very slow and takes a long time.

这句习语用来描述做某件事需要花费非常长的时间。

Waiting for the architects to produce their plans was like taking the slow boat to China.

等待建筑师们的设计计划需要花费很久。

2. Too Many Chiefs and Not Enough Indians

This is often used to describe a company where there are too many managers and not enough people doing the actual work.

这句话指的是公司里有太多经理而真的干活的人极少。

The trouble with that company is that there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

那家企业的问题是经理太多而真的干活的人极少。

3. Chinese Whispers

This expression is often used as a metaphor^{1 for mistakes and inaccurate2 information which comes from rumours3 of gossip.}

这个习语一般比喻由于谣言而产生的错误或不准确的信息。

All this talk about the Prime Minister resigning is just Chinese Whispers.

关于首相离职的谣言纯属无中生有。

4. Talk for England

When someone can talk for hours and hours.

这个习语指的是某人可以长篇大论讲很长时间。

Im so sorry Im late. I couldnt get away from Linda. She can talk for England!

抱歉我迟到了。琳达太能讲了，我实在脱不开身。