nature calls去方便一下

先報損失再直接追問成敗，一句就把所有客套剝掉。

we're ... down. Is this still gonna work?

專案出事要向負責人攤牌時用；對下屬這樣問會像追責。

We have lost six units. Can this still succeed? ／ Six drones are gone; will it hold together?

中性

six drones down 重讀，still gonna 連讀，句尾上揚。

We're three servers down. Is this launch still gonna work? 我們已經掛了三臺伺服器，這次上線還能成嗎？

不喊救命，先問容錯上限，冷得讓人後背發涼。

how many can we lose?

要評估還能承受多少損失時用；對傷員或家屬這樣說失禮。

What is our margin for loss? ／ How much can we afford to lose?

口語

how many 連讀，lose 重讀，句尾略帶疑問上揚。

How many clients can we lose before it hurts? 我們還能流失多少客戶才真的傷筋動骨？

用被動把責任推給「訊息來源」，壞訊息說得像簡報。

we're being told that ...

轉述壞訊息、不想指出誰說的時用；正式彙報常見。

Word is that several have blown up on launch. ／ We hear that a few exploded during launch.

正式

being told 輕讀，exploded 重讀，句尾放平。

We're being told that the venue has cancelled. 我們接到的訊息說場地那邊取消了。

拿別國元首的判斷當壞訊息的證據，冷靜得只剩事實。

X says that the comet is still ...

引用權威來源確認壞訊息時用；正式陳述很常見。

According to President Qi, the comet is intact. ／ China's president confirms it remains whole.

正式

President Qi 重讀，still whole 輕微加重。

The agency says that the storm is still growing. 機構說風暴還在增強。

一遍遍重複「沒事」，重複本身就是最響的警報。

we're all fine. Everyone's fine.

硬撐場面、安撫別人時用；對方不信時越說越可疑。

Everything is fine, honestly, totally fine. ／ We are all okay here, everyone is okay.

口語

兩次 fine 都重讀，第二句放慢一點。

The numbers are fine. Everyone's fine, really. 資料沒問題，大家都好，真的。

安慰和離席用一句輕飄飄的委婉語收尾，體面得讓人心酸。

It's gonna be all right. If you'll excuse me. Nature calls.

要體面離席又不掃興時用；正式宴席、飯局都合適。

Excuse me a moment, I need the restroom. ／ If you will excuse me, I have to step away.

口語

all right 放平，Nature calls 輕快帶過。

If you'll excuse me, nature calls before dessert. 失陪一下，甜點前我得去趟洗手間。

先罵一句再宣佈行動，忍了整場的人終於自己拿主意。

Screw this. I'm going to ...

受夠了一件事、當場決定行動時用；有長輩在場別說。

Forget this, I am going to find him. ／ To hell with it, I am leaving to see him.

口語

Screw this 短促有力，I'm going to 快讀，husband 重讀。

Screw this, I'm going to book the tickets myself. 去他的，我自己去訂票。