人生は本当に多彩で、英語も同様です！ ここには色を強調するいくつかの慣用句があります。
Out of the Blue
意味: 突然、警告なしに、驚くべきことに
サンプル文: He complimented me out of the blue, so I felt a bit speechless.
サンプル対話 :
A: We need to talk about our weekend plans.
B: Yeah, right. I’m so excited to travel.
A: Anyway, how are you and John?
B: Wow, that came out of the blue. Why did you ask?
A: I just noticed that you don’t go out together recently.
B: Oh, to be honest; our relationship is a bit on the rocks.
Green with Envy
意味: 非常に嫉妬深い、羨望の念が強い
サンプル文: Katie was green with envy when she saw her brother got a new car for his birthday.
A: Where is Katie?
B: She has looked herself up in her room.
A: What? Why?
B: Well, she was green with envy when she saw her brother got a new car for his birthday.
A: But didn’t their parents give her what she wanted on her birthday?
B: Yeah. She asked for a luxury bag which they have given her.
A: Katie is such a spoiled brat.
Gray area
意味: はっきりしない、定義されていないもの
サンプル対話: There were a lot of gray areas in your report.
A: Good morning, Sir. Did you call for me?
B: Yes. Please, have a seat.
A: Is there any problem?
B: It’s not really something major but I need you to go over the financial report submitted yesterday. There are a couple of gray areas. I just need you to recheck.
A: Sure, Sir. I’ll make sure it would be done by today.
B: Thank you.
Caught red-handed
意味: 何かをする途中で誰かを捕まえる
サンプル文: He was caught red-handed while going out with his mistress.
サンプル対話:
A: Have you heard the rumors?
B: Which one?
A: About Nick and Jane? Jane has filed for divorce.
B: Oh, that’s not a rumor. It’s true.
A: Why? What happened? Did I miss something while I’m away?
B: Oh, yes. Jane has caught Nick red-handed while going out with his mistress.
A: Geez.
Green Thumb
意味: 園芸が得意である
サンプル文: My mother has a green thumb. It’s as if there’s magic in her hands.
A: Can we drop by the Gardening Section? I just need to check if there are Astilbe seeds.
B: Oh, I didn’t know you do gardening.
A: It’s for my mom, actually. She has a green thumb. She could grow anything! It’s as if there’s magic in her hands.
B: Wow. I would like to see her plants.
Black Sheep
意味: 社会から孤立したり、他の人々とは異なったりすること
サンプル文: Bruno is the black sheep in the family because she decided to pursue a career in music whereas everyone else is in the field of medicine.
サンプル対話 :
A: Who is he?
B: Oh, Bruno. He’s my cousin.
A: He looks quite familiar.
B: Is he? You must have seen him on TV.
A: Is he a celebrity or something?
B: He’s a musician.
A: Oh! I remember him! He’s really good. Is he from a family of musicians?
B: Well, Bruno is the black sheep in the family because she decided to pursue a career in music whereas everyone else is in the field of medicine.
Once in a Blue Moon
意味: 非常にまれに
サンプル文 : I go out once in a blue moon.
サンプル対話 :
A: What will you do this weekend?
B: The usual. I’ll just stay home.
A: Don’t you get bored just staying home?
B: Nah. I’m usually in front of my computer. I’m currently finishing a novel that I’m planning to submit to a major publishing house.
A: Wow, best of luck!
Take the Red Eye
意味: 夜遅くの便で早朝に到着する便
サンプル文 : I took the red eye from Bangkok to Manila last night.
サンプル対話:
A: How was your vacation?
B: It was fun but a little exhausting especially going back.
A: What happened?
B: I booked late; so, I took the red eye from Bangkok to Manila last night. Now, I feel exhausted.
A: You should book earlier next time. You’re still lucky; you’ve got a seat amidst the holiday.
B: You’re right.
Tickled Pink
意味: 非常に喜んでいる
サンプル文: I was tickled pink when he took me out for dinner.
サンプル対話:
A: Yesterday was your wedding anniversary, right?
B: Yes.
A: So, what did you do?
B: Well, I was tickled pink when he took me out for dinner. We went to the newly opened French Italian restaurant downtown.
A: That’s great! How was the food there?
B: It costs an arm and a leg but it’s all worth it.
White lie
意味: 他人の感情を傷つけないために行われる小さな嘘
サンプル文: I didn’t like the bag that he has chosen but I told a white lie because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
サンプル対話 :
A: Have you seen Xavier’s bag?
B: Not yet. What about it?
A: Well, he asked me if it looks good. I actually hated it but I told a white lie since I don’t want to hurt his feelings.
B: Speaking of the devil. There he is! I see what you’re talking about. It looks weird but it also looks nice. I like it.
A: Oh, well.
B: To each his own, right?
