沒有說服力（It won't wash ）丨BBC聽英語

來自日報網雙語新聞

Neil

Hello, I'm Neil.

Feifei

大家好，我是馮菲菲。歡迎收聽BBC英語教學的《地道英語》。

Neil

What's in that bag, Feifei?

Feifei

Oh this – it's a box of the best washing powder there is – Dazzlebright non-bio washing powder!

Neil

And why will I need that?

Feifei

Well, at the meeting earlier – when John suggested that we all wore suits to work – you said his idea 'won't wash' with the team – so here's some washing powder to help you make it wash.

Neil

It's a kind thought – but I won't need it. When I said 'it won't wash' I meant his idea is unconvincing and won't work.

Feifei

哦，原來是這個意思。剛才開會的時候約翰提議大家每天都穿西裝上班，但尼爾說這個提議「won』t wash」，所以我才拿了 washing powder 「洗衣粉」給他。

Neil

You see, this phrase originally referred to fabrics that were not good quality and wouldn't last long when they were washed. But now it's about someone's idea or suggestion not lasting very long because people won't believe it or accept it.

Feifei

所以現在「it won』t wash」這個說法的意思就是「某事沒有說服力，站不住腳」，所以人們不會接受它。

Neil

Let's hear some examples.

>>Examples

Your excuses for not finishing your essay won't wash with me – you've missed your deadline and that's that.

The boss's idea to work an extra hour everyday won't wash with the team – they'll be furious.

Just saying you've got a cold won't wash with your fans – they've paid a lot of money to come and see you perform.

Feifei

表達「it won』t wash」的意思就是「it won』t work」。一件事情經不起考驗，沒有說服力，站不住腳，那麼我們就可以說「it won』t wash」或「it doesn』t wash」。Neil，其實我知道這個說法的意思。

Neil

So why did you bring in the washing powder?

Feifei

Well I know how scruffy our team members are – and if we do have to start wearing suits, they'll all need a good wash. Erm, did you have curry last night?

Neil

Yeah – why do you ask?

Feifei

There's a big yellow stain on your jumper – just there. Here, why not test out use my Dazzlebright washing powder – 'it makes your old clothes look like new!'

Neil

Hmm, thanks.

Both

Bye.

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